Ed Joyce has set himself the task of making Ireland’s line-up more consistent in the build-up to next year’s crucial World Cup qualifiers, after he was announced as the new High Performance Batting coach.

“The talent is there, the goal is now consistency,” Joyce said. “I’m looking forward to getting involved and perhaps adding some insights and knowledge to push the batting group forward.”

Arguably, there is no better man for the job.

The 48-year-old former international is widely recognised as the finest batsman to pull on the shamrock with a playing cv that boasts 10 centuries and an average of 40.8 from his 151 appearances for the Boys in Green.

After winning a solitary Test match cap in 2018 he retired and, based in Dublin and keen to stay involved with Irish cricket, he became Head Coach of the women’s team for six years before stepping down in February 2025.

“My role with the women was a great experience and I do enjoy the day-to-day aspect of working with players on developing and improving their techniques and mindset,” he said.

“The modern game has changed and evolved greatly in recent years — both the men’s and women’s — but several fundamentals have held true. 

“Despite the power game coming to the fore, having a sound technique and a positive mindset are still crucial aspects for any batter at this level.”

Joyce’s appointment will see him link up with former team-mate Gary Wilson, the new Head Coach, and will also involve working with young, emerging batsmen.

He will start immediately with only five months to make an impression before the World Cup qualifiers in southern Africa where Ireland will attempt to reach the finals of the global showpiece for the first time since 2015.