Joyce is Test class says Irish coach

Ed Joyce of Ireland and Middlesex © Getty Images

Ireland coach Adrian Birrell has backed Ed Joyce to deliver the goods for England in the future.
Middlesex batsman Joyce has taken the ICC Trophy by storm with two centuries to put Ireland on the brink of qualification for the tournament’s second week.

Joyce - the first batsman to 1,000 runs in the Frizzell County Championship this season - is currently significantly behind the likes of Kevin Pietersen, Graham Thorpe and Ian Bell in the race for an Ashes berth.

But Birrell insists it is only a matter of time before Joyce gets his chance.

“I know we're not playing at the standard that England are, but his whole demeanour has Test quality written all over it,” he said.

“There's no airs and graces - he just gets on with the job. He doesn’t want any special treatment.

"It’s just wonderful to have him here, and I definitely think he could play for England.

“Both his hundreds were just out of this world. The second one against the UAE was just phenomenal under that pressure. I can’t say enough about that innings and about him.

"He’s just come into our squad and fitted in.”

Dublin-born Joyce made 103 off 128 balls against Bermuda before a sublime 115 not out steered the Irish home against a dogged UAE.

He returns to London for Middlesex’s championship clash with Hampshire this week, and Ireland captain Jason Molins acknowledges his side owe the 26-year-old their gratitude.

“I'd like to have said that without Ed we could still have qualified - but as we've shown we have relied on Ed more than we would have liked,” he said.

“We’ve got a good 14 and we’ll have a good 13 when Ed leaves. But we’ll be without him next week, and that’s maybe when the guys have to stand up and be counted.

“I think England have a lot of strength in depth. Obviously they are a stronger side than they were four or five years ago, but I think he’s got a very strong chance to be at least named in one of the squads for the Tests.”