Joyce Looking to Take Chance

Ed Joyce is hoping he gets the chance to prove himself in the ICC Champions’ Trophy, and establish himself as an opener in the England one-day side. Marcus Trescothick will miss the forthcoming tournament, which England fly to India for on Friday, and Joyce is hoping he gets the nod the partner Andrew Strauss at the top of the innings, so he can establish himself.

Joyce made his England debut in his homeland, Ireland, on June 13th, but two days later found himself stretched off the field at the Rose Bowl during the Twenty20 against Sri Lanka, before he had had the chance to bar. He returned to the England side for the last two one-day matches of the summer against Pakistan. England were victorious in both, but Joyce failed to impress, and he has scored just 31 combined in his three innings thus far.

He told BBC Sport, “this is probably the biggest chance I’ll get. There will be fourteen of us but whether I get to play depends on whether Fred bowls.”

Flintoff is believed to be a strong candidate for opening the batting if, as was initially expected, he is unfit to bowl. Kevin Pietersen has also been tipped for the opening spot, as has Ian Bell, who has played at the top of the innings previously, most recently in the Twenty20 match against Pakistan.

Joyce will be desperate that it is he who gets the chance, having spurned the opportunity to play for Ireland in the World Cup in pursuit of an international career with England. However, if he is to make the spot his own, he will be seeking considerable improvement on his previous performances. There is no doubt that he is talented enough, but it’s performances that count, and no doubt Joyce will be aware of that.

England face India, Australia and a qualifier (one of West Indies, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka or Zimbabwe) in the group stage of the Champions’ Trophy. Qualifying for the tournament starts this Saturday.