ICC Cricket World Cup 2011
Dates: 19 February-2 April Venues: India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh
Coverage: Highlights on BBC TV, Red Button & BBC Sport website (UK users only); Live Test Match Special commentary (BBC 5 live sports extra, BBC Sport website, some games also on BBC Radio 4 LW) and live text commentary on all England matches and selected other major games; Also live on Sky Sports

Ed Joyce played for England against Ireland in the last World Cup

Ed Joyce has put the disappointment of missing out on Test cricket behind him as he prepares for Ireland's challenge at the World Cup.

Joyce is back in the Ireland fold after calling time on his England career, which saw him capped at one-day and Twenty20 level but not in Test cricket.

"As an Irishman it's nice to be wearing the shirt again," said Joyce.

"Hopefully Ireland will get to the (Test) stage in the next 10 or 15 years and I pass on my experience."

Sussex batsman Joyce does not hide his regret at missing out on a Test chance with England.

The Dubliner was called up to England's Ashes squad during the 2006/7 tour in Australia but despite his adopted team's struggles in that series, he did not earn a Test cap.

It might not happen for me but hopefully Ireland cricket will get to the Test stage where they're ready Ed Joyce

Joyce went on to star in England's one-day series down under against the Aussies but after mixed form at the World Cup a couple of months later, his English international career came to an abrupt halt.

"I'm disappointed I never got to play Test cricket for England, which was the point in the first place," acknowledges the 32-year-old.

"Ireland don't play Test cricket, although hopefully that changes soon.

"It might not happen for me but hopefully Ireland cricket will get to the stage where they're ready and I pass on my experience."

But that is the future and Joyce's sole concentration now is preparing for the World Cup which opens for the Irish on 25 February when they face Bangladesh in Dhaka.

Ireland's campaign in the group stage will also include a clash against Joyce's former English team-mates in Bangalore on 2 March.

"It's good to be back. It's been a bit weird watching the lads do so well in the last few years," added Joyce, who played 50 times for Ireland between 1997 and 2005 before making the switch to England.

Ed Joyce (left) after being bowled by Boyd Rankin at the 2007 World Cup

Joyce says a lot of positive changes have taken place since his previous stint with the Irish squad.

"It's getting a lot better," added Joyce, mindful that 13 of the 15-man Ireland World Cup squad are now on professional contracts in one guise or another.

"We don't really have the stadia yet but they are building one in Malahide.

"Hopefully in a year or two that will be ready to welcome teams to, that would be a big step.

"The governments both north and south of the border have started to free up money to Cricket Ireland which is good because you can't do much without the money."

Nigel Jones is unlikely to play against New Zealand after coming down with sickness.

Gary Wilson also has other things on his mind, after it was confirmed his fiancee's mother was injured in Thursday's plane crash in Cork which killed six people.

She is understood to be in hospital having undergone an operation.

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