Ireland’s Ed Joyce takes top spot in our list of the the top 50 cricketers from non-Test playing nations, compiled by our resident associate and affiliate expert, Tim Brooks.
Having announced 49 of the top 50 non-Test stars of the modern era, drawn from 13 associate nations, there remains only one to acknowledge and celebrate. Including a player who earned international recognition for a Test nation may seem strange, but it is a testament to his talent and calibre that this opportunity presented itself.
Ed Joyce is part of a cricketing dynasty that has helped drive Ireland to the top of the non-Test tree. A precociously talented youth player, he secured a contract with Middlesex at an early age and has since established himself as one of the most gifted and consistent batsmen on the county circuit. While some of the best associate players have only enjoyed fleeting opportunities in professional leagues, Joyce has played for 12 seasons, amassing close to 14,000 first-class runs. These have come at an average of 46, marking him out as one of the most accomplished batsmen of his generation.
It is not just his consistency that impresses. He is also a delight to watch, being blessed with a freedom and grace, particularly in his youth. When in flowing form he is difficult to contain and his natural timing enables him to pierce the in-field with strokes all around the wicket. His extra-cover drive is a sight to behold.
In the first phase of his Ireland career his productivity was peerless. In 14 games in the ICC Trophies of 2001 and 2005 he achieved the remarkable feat of boasting an average and strike-rate of 84. His heroics at the crease in the 2005 tournament saw him average 100 and proved the key factor in securing Ireland’s World Cup place and ODI status. This would lay the foundation for Ireland’s dominance and increased global profile that followed but his stellar form led to him turning out for England against his home nation at the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies.
His England record does not do justice to his ability, though he did make an ODI century against Australia in 2007. Sadly, once rejected by England he had to wait almost four years to requalify for Ireland for the 2011 World Cup. He picked up where he had left off, scoring 84 against the West Indies and playing a supporting role to Kevin O’Brien in the remarkable victory over England. His presence and experience has undoubtedly helped the development of young stars such as Paul Stirling. Now one of the veterans of the side, he rolled back the years last summer with a sparkling century against Pakistan in Dublin.
Now Sussex captain and playing as well as ever, England may feel that they missed a trick in not giving the Dubliner a longer run. Personally, I’m delighted to see him back representing his home nation and supporting their claim for full member status.
Tim Brooks is an expert on non-Test playing cricket nations and can be found @cricketatlas. To read the criteria and rationale behind his top 50, click here and to see the list in full, click here
