Jason Roy's Test chance and Moeen Ali's search for form: England v Ireland talking points

A look at how the home side will structure their side with one eye on the Ashes series

Jason Roy will now look to translate his form at the Cricket World Cup to England's Test side. Reuters

It will be more than a slightly different feeling when England's players take to the field at Lord's on Wednesday for their one-off Test with Ireland.

Ten days ago there were scenes of unabashed joy as the one-day international (ODI) side became world champions after a thrilling Cricket World Cup final victory over New Zealand in London.

But as is the way of modern sport, there is little time to revel in the achievement when the next challenge is immediately in sight.

Regaining the Ashes from Australia, with the first Test at Edgbaston starting on August 1, is where the attention is now.

The Test against Ireland is England's first since February and is their only chance to look at their line-up before they go up against their arch-rivals in Birmingham.

Beating Ireland will of course be the first priority. It is the first ever Test between the two sides and England will be well aware of just how dangerous the Irish can be.

It was back in 2011 when Ireland enjoyed one of their greatest results when they defeated England by three wickets in Bangalore at the World Cup.

Test cricket is a harder format to spring a surprise in and while the English selectors will hope Ireland will provide tough opposition, they will not expect anything other then a comfortable victory.

Here is what England will be looking at during the match at Lord's.

Openers

Jason Roy, after his heroics in the World Cup, will get his Test debut.

He averaged 63 during the competition, hitting a century and four half-centuries, and he was a vital part of the side. The Test side now hope that form can be transformed to the red ball variety of cricket.

He will be likely partnered with Surrey teammate Rory Burns at the top of the order. Burns has had a tough start to the Test side, averaging 25 from his first six matches.

Away tours to Sri Lanka and West Indies would be a challenge for most players trying to establish themselves so it is understandable England are sticking with him.

His 84 in England's losing effort in Bridgetown to the West Indies was a gutsy knock and he will need more of that spirit this summer.

Top order

Given captain Joe Root's apparent reluctance to bat at No 3, Joe Denly will likely take that slot on Wednesday and have the chance to secure the role for the Ashes series.

Like Burns, Denly had a difficult start in the West Indies, although in fairness so did most of the side. The 69 in the third Test win has earned him the chance to stay in the squad and he needs to build his confidence with some runs against Ireland.

Root had a good World Cup with the bat, clearly enjoying having someone else in Morgan having to be the voice and face of the team.

The Yorkshireman's ODI form did fall away towards the end of the competition and he will want some time at the crease against the Irish to help him find his form for the Ashes.

If Denly struggles then the call for Root to return to No 3 will return, especially with a potentially packed middle order to be squeezed in around him in August.

Middle order

With both Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler rested, it is going to be a different looking middle order for the Ireland clash.

Jonny Bairstow will likely be at No 5, while holding wicketkeeping duties. The Yorkshireman was tried at No 3 in the West Indies but, given his responsibility with the gloves in Test cricket, having him at No 5 makes more sense.

All-rounder Moeen Ali was dropped from the World Cup side after averaging just 18.75 and taking only five wickets, and England will want him to rediscover his form quickly.

His ability to take wickets with his spin, while contributing runs, will be vital to England's hopes of making it five home series wins in a row over Australia.

It is not just what he offers, but his presence adds balance to the side and allows an extra fast bowler to be included to give Root more options in the field.

Bowlers

England are without World Cup heroes Jofra Archer and Mark Wood against Ireland.

Archer has a slight niggle but is likely to make his Test debut at Edgbaston, with the aim of giving him as much rest as possible before he is unleashed against Australia.

Wood, who was part of the 2015 side that won the Ashes, has a side strain and is out of the first two Tests.

The make-up of England's attack against Ireland will be additionally intriguing as James Anderson is also reportedly out of the game. Anderson, who turns 37 in two weeks, is still troubled by a calf injury.

England are therefore left with Chris Woakes, Sam Curran, Stuart Broad as a certain trio to play.

Broad will have a point to prove having been dropped for much of the winter, but his strong record in home conditions against Australia gives him credit.

Spinner Jack Leach will probably be the man to miss out, with debuts given to Lewis Gregory and Olly Stone.

Gregory and Stone would have to do something astonishing to get in the Ashes side for the first Test, but getting them familiar with the England setup when Anderson, Archer and Wood are out is no bad thing.