By David Slater
April 17 2004

Ed Joyce has been one of the most talked about Cricketers on the county circuit in recent years with a batting style similar to one David Ivon Gower. We spoke to him during the lunch break at Chelmsford to see his views on the coming season. MTWD: “What are you hopes for both yourself and the team this season?”

EJ: “Personally to just have as good a season as I did last year in one day cricket, and in the county championship, do a bit better then last year and score around 1,200 runs. Team wise I think we should be looking to come in the top three of the championship and get promoted in the totesport League.”

MTWD: “How much do you think we’ll miss Andy Strauss this season?”

EJ: “Obviously he did really well for us last year so we will miss him quite a lot. But Ben Hutton will open and he’s done the job before so he should do quite well but we have Klusner there to give us some strength in batting, obviously not at the start of the season but we should have the strength to cover it.”

MWTD: “If Middlesex were to win the county championship, who’d finish second?”

EJ: “There are three or four very strong sides. Sussex have a good side. Surrey have a good side. Warwickshire and Worcestershire also have good sides as well so they could be up there.”

MTWD: “What about Lancashire?”

EJ: “Lancashire should be there as well. I’m sure they will be in the top three so Sussex Lancashire and us!”

MWTD: “Thank you very much Ed. Good luck for the season”

EJ: “Thank you”