Ed Joyce comes out of retirement to make Sussex return

Sussex supporters will have one final chance to see club legend and former captain, Ed Joyce play in a Sussex shirt this Sunday.

Ed is coming out of retirement to play for Sussex Sharks against his Irish countrymen when the two sides meet in a T20 match at Arundel Castle Cricket Ground this Sunday 24th June.

The match is part of Ed’s testimonial year and concludes this year’s Rathbones Arundel Festival of Cricket.

Ahead of his final appearance for the club where over the course of eight seasons he played 227 matches, scored nearly 12,000 runs and captained the side from 2012 to 2015, Ed said: “I can’t wait to step out on the field one last time with Sussex at Arundel on Sunday.

“The opposition, of course, is my country, Ireland, and I know it’ll be a very tough game as Ireland have just come off four very competitive games in Antrim during the series against Holland and Scotland.  

“Sunday’s fixture is excellent preparation ahead of bigger challenges for both teams. In Ireland’s case, they play India in two massive games in Dublin on 27 and 29 June. And, of course, Sussex Sharks will start the Vitality Blast in early July. Both teams will be looking to tie down batting and bowling combinations and get an early win on the board - this will be no friendly match!

“The game is part of my testimonial year and the two charities I’ve chosen to support are the PCA Benevolent Fund and Sussex Cricket Foundation. Both charities do fantastic work which I’ve seen first-hand.  

“The Benevolent Fund looks after current and former professional cricketers that have fallen on tough times, and the Sussex Cricket Foundation aims to change lives through cricket across the community.

“It would be fantastic to see a big crowd at Arundel on Sunday to help raise funds for both charities. Looking forward to seeing you all there!” 

The full Sussex squad for the fixture will be announced later this week.

Tickets for Sussex Sharks versus Ireland at Arundel Castle Cricket Ground this Sunday 24th June are available to purchase online from edjoyce2018.co.uk and will also be available on the day.

Gates open at 11.30am with the match scheduled to begin at 1.30pm.