1st ODI: Five-star Rashid makes Morgan happy

Leg-spinner proves instrumental for England in seven-wicket over Ireland

BRISTOL: Eoin Morgan hailed Adil Rashid's "magnificent effort" as the leg-spinner's maiden five-wicket haul laid the platform for England's rapid victory over Ireland.

Rashid took five for 27 as Ireland, playing England in England for the first time, were shot out for just 126 in 33 overs during Friday's opening one-day international at Bristol.

Alex Hales (55) and Test captain Joe Root (49 not out) then saw England to their victory target of 127 for the loss of three wickets.

So lopsided was the contest, with barely more than half the day's overs -- 53 out of a maximum 100 -- bowled, there was no need for the standard 45-minute break between innings.

Rashid's 23 wickets during England's 4-0 Test series defeat in India late last year came at a costly average of nearly 38 apiece.

But it's one thing bowling to Indian batsmen renowned for playing spin, especially in home conditions, and quite another doing so against Ireland, for all that several members of their top order have English county experience behind them.

Friday saw the 29-year-old Rashid take the second-best ODI figures by an England specialist spinner, behind Vic Marks's five for 20 against New Zealand at Wellington in 1984.

Victory left England 1-0 up in the two-match series, with Ireland needing to bounce back quickly if they are to avoid further embarrassment in Sunday's showpiece finale at Lord's.

"It was Adil's day today," said Morgan, England's Dublin-born ODI captain. "I thought he put in a magnificent effort with the ball. He had a tough winter and has learnt a huge amount to come back today with confidence to bowl his variations and show how threatening he can be."

Ireland push case for Test status

Ireland captain William Porterfield insisted his side would be worthy of Test status despite their embarrassing defeat by England.

Next month could see Ireland granted Test status by the International Cricket Council. "You do not become bad players overnight," said Porterfield, a batsman with English county side Warwickshire. "One bad game, one bad day at the office, doesn't make us a bad team."

He added: "I think it would be very harsh to judge (Ireland's) Test status on a one-off performance. You only need to look at what's been done to set up the structure back home. Everything has been set up to be sustainable.”