Irish-born cricketer Ed Joyce has announced that his playing career with the England international team is over, and that he intends to return to the Irish set up.
The Sussex batsman took to the field for Ireland 50 times since making his debut in 1997 before switching to England in 2005.
Joyce was included in the 2006/07 Ashes squad after qualifying to play for England on residency grounds, but he failed to make a Test appearance. He did however win 17 one-day England caps.
“When I made the decision in 2001 to try and play for England, it was with a view to trying to play Test cricket, which is the pinnacle of the game and which, of course, Ireland doesn’t play,†said Joyce yesterday.
The 31-year-old continued, “While I strongly believe I’m good enough to play Test cricket for England, I’ve taken the decision now to try and play for Ireland again.
“There are a few reasons for this, with the most obvious being that I’m a born and bred Irishman. Secondly, I feel I have a lot to offer to Irish cricket.
“I feel I’m playing the best cricket of my career and would like to bring this form with me to help Ireland be even more successful on the world stage.”
Cricket Ireland is hoping to secure an exemption from the International Cricket Council so that the Dubliner can play for Ireland in the 2011 World Cup in Asia.
Council rules normally prohibit a player for playing for two international teams within a four-year period.
