Ed Joyce retires after Irish Test cricket dream

Ireland cricketer Ed Joyce, who has announced his retirement as a player. Credit: INPHO

Ed Joyce has announced his retirement from all cricket less than a fortnight after realising his dream of playing Test cricket for Ireland.

The 39-year-old Dubliner was one of the 11 men who made history against Pakistan in Malahide earlier this month, when Ireland became the 11th Test playing nation.

That was the culmination of a 21-year professional career which saw him captain both Middlesex and Sussex in county cricket, as well as becoming a limited-overs international with England.

Ed Joyce in action for Ireland against Pakistan in their inaugural Test. Credit: INPHO

Joyce returned to the Irish fold in time for the 2011 World Cup and became the side’s senior player as well as one of the most reliable batsmen.

Having ended his glittering county career last summer, he will now take up a backroom position with Cricket Ireland as a batting and leadership coach.

“I feel now is the right time to stop playing and get started on a new chapter,” Joyce said.

Joyce added: “I am very grateful to Cricket Ireland for giving me the opportunity to get involved in the coaching set up.

“I know I have a huge amount to learn about the art of coaching, but I know I also have a huge amount of knowledge that I'm determined to pass on to the next generation of Irish talent.”

Derry man William Porterfield, Joyce’s long-time team-mate and Ireland skipper, said: “It is pretty hard to sum up in just a few words how much of an impact Ed has had on Irish cricket and how much of an all-round great person he is.

“He is the person, from my era, that showed that being a professional cricketer was a tangible dream across the water. He inspired a whole generation to show that it is possible.”

Ed Joyce is retiring from playing, but will turn his hand to coaching with Cricket Ireland. Credit: INPHO

Porterfield added: “He will be a great miss in the changing rooms, not only for his runs, but the person he is. A lot of us, not least the young lads, have learned so much from him.

“He has had such an amazing career that he can be so proud of over the past 20 or so years.

“For it to culminate in taking the field for Ireland's first ever Test match was the icing on the cake, I'm sure.”