After falling eight runs short of his maiden first-class century on day two of the four-day Test against Ireland, England left-arm spinner Jack Leach said that he had exceeded his own expectations with his knock.

Leach made a potentially match-changing 92, opening the innings, after he had been sent out as a nightwatchman for the close of the opening day’s play, when England had been bowled out for 85 and were trailing by 122 runs in the first innings.

His 92, and 145-run second-wicket stand with debutant Jason Roy, proved to be the difference, as England lost eight wickets for 122 runs once the stand was broken and still finished the day 181 runs ahead.

Jack Leach in this Test: 93 runs, one dismissal.

Rest of England's batsmen: 222 runs, 17 dismissals.#ENGvIRE pic.twitter.com/ixnYBaRG0f

— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) July 25, 2019

“I just went out to try to soak up some balls and make it easier for the guys coming in,” Leach said. “It probably went a little bit further than I thought it would.”

Though he has two half-centuries in first-class cricket, Leach isn’t known to be much of a batsman, with a career average of 10.97 after 80 matches at the level. Watching his name go up on the Lord’s honours board for a Test century is something Leach never likely imagined, but he did admit to feeling nervous, despite his best efforts to not think about the milestone.

“I tried to bring it down to one ball at a time, not thinking too far ahead,” Leach said. “It’s harder to do that in the 90s and I know now that the nervous 90s are definitely a thing. I was having some weird thoughts. I was tired as well – I had cramp – but was still trying to bring it back to the next ball. I was telling myself not to think about it – which made me think about it. I’ll learn from that if I get the chance again.”

Despite the fightback, Ireland are well-placed to upset the 50-over world champions and pick up a historic maiden Test victory, but Leach said that belief in the England camp is high at the moment.

“Tomorrow is a big day for the whole team,” he said. “I’m looking forward to bowling, because yesterday I didn’t bowl well. I felt nervous. This innings has given me confidence and I’ll take that confidence into my bowling.

“The pressure is on Ireland. It’s the first time they have had the experience of being favourites to win the game. We do believe we’ve got a great chance, but we’ll have to bowl really well.”