CRICKET: Irishman Ed Joyce, who was badly injured playing for England against Sri Lanka last week, is upbeat about his chances of returning to action before the end of July.

Initially it was feared Joyce, who was playing just his second international since making his debut for his adopted country in a match against Ireland the week before, had broken his ankle after falling awkwardly while fielding in a 20/20 match at the Rose Bowl. But now Joyce hopes to be back within four weeks.

"I had a scan and apparently I've done some ligament damage to the ankle, so everything's not okay, but it's better than I thought it would be at the time," he told BBC's Test Match Special programme. "You've got to take these things on the chin and come back stronger," he said.

Joyce will see a specialist today. "It's very bruised, but there's not a lot swelling. He guessed at two to six weeks . . . he didn't really know at that stage," said the 27-year-old. "The way it feels now, it feels like I can nearly put all my weight on it. I can't turn but hopefully it's just two to four weeks and I'll be back."

The injury came at the worst possible time for the Middlesex and former Ireland batsman, just when he was breaking into the England side. With several injuries in the squad at present, it was a good opportunity to establish a place ahead of this winter's Ashes tour to Australia.

Meanwhile, the draw for the second round of Leinster's LHW 20/20 Alan Murray Cup will be made today and will announced on NEAR 101.6fm radio this evening between 7 and 8pm.