Gallery | Ed Joyce testimonial match against Ireland

Sussex and Ireland legend Ed Joyce pulled on a Sharks shirt for the final time on Sunday, as Ireland won his testimonial match by six wickets.

The T20 match concluded this year’s Rathbones Arundel Festival of Cricket, after our thumping Specsavers County Championship win over Durham earlier in the week.

With the Vitality Blast fast approaching, Jason Gillespie named a strong side that saw Phil Salt and Luke Wright open the batting, and the likes of new signing Tom Bruce, Laurie Evans and Jofra Archer step up their preparations for the upcoming campaign. 

When Evans was caught in the covers for a quickfire 19, Joyce was greeted by rapturous applause from the 1500 sun-drenched spectators, and departed for nine in the fifth over. 

Captain Wright top-scored for the Sharks with 48, with Ireland requiring 136 to win from their 20 overs. With four consecutive sixes, Gary Wilson reached an 18-ball 50 and guided his side to victory with five overs to spare. 

Luke Wright speaks to the squad ahead of the warm-up

Ireland captain Gary Wilson and Sharks captain Wright contest the toss, with Wright opting to bat

Ed Joyce watches on from the boundary

What a venue!