Rankin back inIreland squad

David Rankin is back in the Ireland squad for next months games Hong Kong.

However all that changed last summer when Rankin, David, was handed his Ireland debut during the T20 series against Scotland at Bready.

For the record the North West Warriors opener top scored for his country with 33 that day - albeit in a six-wicket defeat - however the 29-year old’s name never seemed to come up again.

Well, now that is until it appeared this week in the Ireland squad to play Hong Kong in two T20’s back in Rankin’s ‘home ground’ at the start of next month.

The Bready batsman admitted yesterday that the call to tell him he was back in took him completely by surprise but he was obviously delighted to be involved again.

“It came totally out of the blue and certainly wasn’t something I had given any thought to,” he admitted.

“To be honest I was a bit disappointed to have fared reasonably well in my first game and then not be considered again.

“I am aware that there are so many very good options open to selectors for that position but maybe on a personal note I didn’t want to be known as a one-cap wonder.

“Obviously there are no guarantees that I’ll be picked to play against Hong Kong but I’d like to think that my knowledge of the pitches at Bready might count for something.

“Competition is sure to be very strong but I’m delighted to be involved again and if I get my chance then who knows?”

Ironically, Rankin’s call-up coincides with his poorest run of form all year; however Warriors’ Head Coach Ian McGregor wasn’t worried about that.

“David Rankin has been in great form for both Bready and the Warriors this season and was averaging something close to 50 until recently,” he said.

“He’s gone a couple of knocks without going big but that won’t bother him in the slightest. He thoroughly deserves his chance.

“Players like Davy only need one innings to get them back in touch and he’s been selected on what he has done all summer- not just the last fortnight.”

The games against Hong Kong will be played at Bready on Monday 5th and Tuesday 6th September and although Andy McBrine and Craig Young have also been named in the squad, both Stuart Thompson and Graeme McCarter continue to be rested.

The squad will be skippered by ex-Donemana man William Porterfield bringing the North West contingent to four.