CRICKET: Irishman Ed Joyce has been selected in the 15-man England squad for the coming one-day international series against Pakistan.

The left-handed batsman from Bray, Co Wicklow, was injured earlier in the summer in just his second game for his adopted country, but good recent form for Middlesex has ensured he earned his recall, writes James Fitzgerald.

"Falling over is not an option this time," a delighted Joyce said last night.

There will be five ODIs in the series, which will definitely go ahead despite the controversy regarding alleged ball-tampering by Pakistan players.