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Version 10 Version 11
Uncapped Joyce wins Ashes call-up Uncapped Joyce wins Ashes call-up
(about 1 hour later)
Middlesex batsman Ed Joyce is to replace Marcus Trescothick in England's squad for the Ashes series.Middlesex batsman Ed Joyce is to replace Marcus Trescothick in England's squad for the Ashes series.
The 28-year-old Irishman has only played three one-day internationals and a Twenty20 match for England so far.The 28-year-old Irishman has only played three one-day internationals and a Twenty20 match for England so far.
But chairman of selectors David Graveney described him as a "highly promising player" who could cover a number of batting positions.But chairman of selectors David Graveney described him as a "highly promising player" who could cover a number of batting positions.
Trescothick returned home from Australia on Wednesday after a recurrence of a stress-related illness.Trescothick returned home from Australia on Wednesday after a recurrence of a stress-related illness.
Coach Duncan Fletcher has revealed he had concerns about Trescothick's mental state for several days and at one stage consideration was given to flying his family out to be with him.
606 DEBATE: Your views on Joyce's call-up606 DEBATE: Your views on Joyce's call-up
"On Sunday the problem seemed to reoccur with Marcus. We had a meeting and at first we decided that maybe the best thing would be to bring his wife and kids out here early. Joyce will join the rest of the England squad next Monday.
"On Tuesday morning I called another meeting. I was going to discuss whether he would fly back and not let his wife come out here.
"At that point - where I'd have to speak to him with a very difficult decision which I was very uncomfortable about - it was taken out of my hands," said Fletcher.
"Marcus came off the field in the afternoon, and there was a recurrence of the problem he had in India [earlier this year].
"I left it to the doctor to sit and have a chat with him - and after a while, we spoke and said it was best if he went home."
IRISHMEN TO PLAY TEST CRICKET FOR ENGLAND L Horne, 1 Test 1879T O'Brien, 5 Tests 1884-96J McMaster, 1 Test 1889F Fane, 14 Tests 1906-10M McCague, 3 Tests 1993-94
Joyce, meanwhile, will join the rest of the England squad next Monday.
But it is unlikely he will make the team for the opening Test in Brisbane three days later unless one of the other batsmen on tour suffers an injury.But it is unlikely he will make the team for the opening Test in Brisbane three days later unless one of the other batsmen on tour suffers an injury.
He was chosen ahead of Academy team-mates Rob Key and Owais Shah, both of whom have previous Test experience.He was chosen ahead of Academy team-mates Rob Key and Owais Shah, both of whom have previous Test experience.
Joyce, who only qualified to play for England last year, averages 47 in first-class cricket and has 17 centuries to his credit, including a highest score of 211 for Middlesex against Warwickshire in July.Joyce, who only qualified to play for England last year, averages 47 in first-class cricket and has 17 centuries to his credit, including a highest score of 211 for Middlesex against Warwickshire in July.
He has already been on one tour with England this winter, having been part of the Champions Trophy squad, but he did not play a single game in India.He has already been on one tour with England this winter, having been part of the Champions Trophy squad, but he did not play a single game in India.
IRISHMEN TO PLAY TEST CRICKET FOR ENGLAND L Horne, 1 Test 1879T O'Brien, 5 Tests 1884-96J McMaster, 1 Test 1889F Fane, 14 Tests 1906-10M McCague, 3 Tests 1993-94
Middlesex assistant coach Jason Pooley believes, however, that his call-up for the Ashes demonstrates continuity by the England selectors.
"I thought they might go for Rob Key because he did quite well in Australia before [in 2003-03], but it's great for Ed because he needs to test himself at that level," Pooley told BBC Sport.
"He's scored a lot of runs in county cricket for Middlesex. He's someone who likes to build and innings and plays at his own pace. He doesn't change the way he bats from nought to 100 really, he just bats with the same tempo.
"I don't think there are any flaws in his game now apart from gaining experience at that level. That will be the test - can he cope with international cricket and all the media and hype that goes with it?"
He added: "In the early part of his career, coming from Ireland where the pitches are a lot slower and lower, he was more of a front foot player, but he's developed over the last few years.
"I'm sure he'll be able to cope, but we don't have the quality of international seamers in county cricket that we used to have in the 90s, so now you only find out [if you're good enough] when you're in there.
"It's an Ashes series, so it's going to be quite an experience."