Ed Joyce. [Source - Cricket Ireland]In a big development for Irish cricket, Ed Joyce has been appointed as Ireland’s new batting coach. Cricket Ireland made the announcement on Monday as the team prepares for an important phase ahead.The former Ireland international knows the setup well, having spent several years representing the country during a key period in its cricketing journey. His return now marks the start of a new chapter.Ed Joyce Takes Charge As Ireland’s New Batting CoachEd Joyce has been appointed as Ireland’s new men’s batting coach. His journey with Ireland began in 1997, and he went on to become one of the country’s most experienced batters during a crucial period in its international growth.Joyce made 151 appearances for Ireland and scored 5,552 runs at an average of 40.82, with 10 centuries and 29 half-centuries. These numbers include his appearances for Ireland before the team gained full international status, highlighting the length of his association with Irish cricket.Also Read: Zimbabwe Refuses To Set Foot In Pakistan, Ireland Tri Series On Verge Of CancellationIn official international cricket for Ireland, Joyce scored 2,602 runs at an average of 40.03, including five centuries and 13 half-centuries. He was part of Ireland’s 2011 and 2015 World Cup campaigns before bringing the curtain down on his international playing career in 2018.Joyce also represented England during his playing career, making 17 ODI and two T20I appearances. He later returned to Ireland, giving him the experience of playing international cricket for both countries before eventually moving into coaching.Ed Joyce’s Coaching ExperienceEd Joyce already knows the Cricket Ireland setup well, having taken charge of the Ireland Women’s team in 2019, just a year after retiring from playing for Ireland in the historic maiden Test match against Pakistan in 2018.He spent almost six years as Ireland Women’s head coach before stepping down from the role in 2025. The experience gave him the opportunity to work closely with players and help develop their technique, confidence and overall game.Joyce remained involved in Cricket Ireland’s high-performance structure and joined its High Performance Committee in 2026. He now begins a new chapter as Ireland’s batting coach, bringing experience of playing for both Ireland and England, along with several years of coaching.Ed Joyce’s First Assignment Awaits On Pakistan Tour Ahead Of 2027 World Cup QualifiersEd Joyce’s first assignment as Ireland’s batting coach is expected to come during the team’s planned tour of Pakistan in January 2027. The tour was earlier scheduled to feature a Test, T20Is and an ODI tri-series involving Zimbabwe.However, uncertainty now surrounds the proposed fixtures, with Zimbabwe reportedly hesitant to travel to Pakistan. No official dates have been announced yet, leaving the final shape of Ireland’s tour and Joyce’s first assignment unclear for now.The Pakistan tour, if it goes ahead, will provide an early opportunity for Joyce to work with Ireland’s batters before the 2027 World Cup qualifiers. Ireland will enter the qualifiers after missing out on direct qualification through the ODI rankings.Also Read: R Ashwin Alongside 2 India Legends To Be Honoured With A Stand At Chepauk Stadium
