Irish star who can shine for England

Emburey knows exactly where the chairman is coming from.

"Ed has been in terrific form this season and it's the best I've seen him bat," said Middlesex's coach.

Joyce's ability to score quickly and elegantly was apparent from the start of his county career. And it's not only because he's lefthanded and a laid-back cricketer off the field that many people see more than a touch of David Gower about him.

Emburey can understand the comparison, but is happier for observers to simply enjoy Joyce's style. "Ed can be England material," he says, and t h i s s e a s on's scorebook supports that view.

Having started with a career-best 192 against Notts at Lord's, Joyce has passed 50 five times in his other six championship innings.

The only criticism, perhaps, is that a second century did not follow - and he will need to hit three figures on a regular basis to keep England interested. Mind you, another Middlesex left-hander would like to have had Joyce's 60s, 70s and 90s in the bag.

Andrew Strauss will go into next Thursday's Test on his home ground with nothing better than a 37 to show for eight championship innings.

But there's no need for anyone to panic, stresses Emburey. "He's actually playing well," said the coach. "He's got out to one or two loose shots but I've no worries because he'll work it out."

Middlesex, meanwhile, expect their new overseas recruit, India Test fast bowler Irfan Pathan, to join them later this week.

Left-armer Pathan has been signed for six weeks while South African Nantie Hayward is recovering from a groin injury.

The county's pace bowling resources are further stretched at present by the absence of Chad Keegan, who has a back problem.