Former Irish cricketer Ed Joyce to break retirement and play for Sussex

Ed Joyce was one of Ireland’s most consistent batsman. Such was his class and finesse that he went on to play for England. However, he returned to the country of his birth shortly after they qualified for the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2007. The veteran batsman also had the privilege to be a part of Ireland’s maiden Test match versus Sarfraz Ahmed-captained Pakistan in Dublin, which took place in May. However, soon after, he announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.

Meanwhile, the left-hander is set to come out of retirement for a brief while and play an exhibition T20 match for Sussex against his Irish countrymen at Arundel Castle Cricket Ground on June 24. The match is a part of Joyce’s testimonial year and marks the conclusion of this year’s Rathbones Arundel Festival of Cricket. Joyce feels that the match will be a closely-fought one, as per reports in sussexcricket.co.uk.

“Bigger challenges for both teams”- Joyce

“The opposition, of course, is my country, Ireland, and I know it’ll be a very tough game as Ireland have just come off four very competitive games in Antrim during the series against Holland and Scotland. The game is part of my testimonial year and the two charities I’ve chosen to support are the PCA Benevolent Fund and Sussex Cricket Foundation. Both charities do fantastic work which I’ve seen first-hand,” he said.

The 39-year old player also believes that the match is expected to be a dress rehearsal for their upcoming fixtures. Ireland’s next assignment will be versus India in a couple of T20Is later this month. On the other hand, Sussex will take part in England’s domestic T20 Cup, which gets underway in July. Sussex will lock horns with Essex in their first contest at the County Ground in Chelmsford.

“Sunday’s fixture is excellent preparation ahead of bigger challenges for both teams. In Ireland’s case, they play India in two massive games in Dublin on 27 and 29 June. And, of course, Sussex Sharks will start the Vitality Blast in early July. Both teams will be looking to tie down batting and bowling combinations and get an early win on the board – this will be no friendly match!” he added.

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