Ed Joyce, the Irish batsman, has committed to a full-time contract with Cricket Ireland which will also see him turn up for the inter-provincial tournament.
Ireland's domestic competition was awarded first-class status recently and now Joyce's presence will come in as a massive boost as Ireland continue their quest to achieve Test status.
Joyce was among ten players who were given central category-A contract on Wednesday (December 21) by Cricket Ireland.
Director Richard Holdsworth said.
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It has been one of our strategic objectives to bring players back home from England and for Ed to be the first is very appropriate. He has given great service to Sussex as an outstanding batsman and leader, and we are grateful for their support to Ed's Ireland career over those years.
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Joyce was pleased after signing the contract and is hopeful of playing in Ireland's first ever Test match before his retirement.
Ireland are scheduled to host New Zealand, Bangladesh and West Indies for One-Day Internationals in 2017 apart from playing England at Bristol and Lord's.