Joyce doubtful to start for England

Middlesex batsman Ed Joyce was ruled out of England's training session prior to tomorrow's maiden one-day international against…

Middlesex batsman Ed Joyce was ruled out of England's training session prior to tomorrow's maiden one-day international against Ireland in Belfast.

The Dublin-born Joyce, who could be lining up against his brother Dominick in tomorrow's game, missed this afternoon's training session at Stormont with a stomach bug.

His inability to practise this afternoon makes his participation in tomorrow's game extremely unlikely having been called into an England squad for the forthcoming series against Sri Lanka for the first time last week.

Joyce, who has fulfilled a three-year qualification to play for England, impressed on last winter's 'A' tour to the West Indies and was being earmarked as a possible opener for the five-match one-day series against Sri Lanka.