Joyce’s Ashes call a huge boost for cricket in Ireland

IRISH cricket chiefs expect the sport to benefit from Ed Joyce’s call up to England’s Ashes squad.

Dublin-born Joyce played 50 times for Ireland before transferring to England. Yesterday, the Middlesex batsman was called to replace Marcus Trescothick, who was forced home ill.

Irish Cricket Union PRO Barry Chambers said: “This is a fantastic for Ed and for Irish cricket. To play in the Ashes is every player’s dream and this is a tremendous achievement.