Rankin ready for the Ashes

The big pace bowler, who is looking to continue to break records this winter, became the first cricketer from the North West to play cricket with England and now he’s aiming to play test cricket for the Three Lions against the old enemy in November.

“I’m obviously over the moon, but the hard work starts now,” stated the Warickshire man.

“As everyone knows my main ambition was to play test cricket, so now that I’m in the squad for such a massive series, I’m going to give it my all to try and force my way into the side.”

Rankin is part of the 17 man squad who will be travelling Down Under looking to retain the Ashes, but he won’t be having Christmas dinner on the farm, instead he could be bowling in the traditional Boxing Day test at the world famous MCG, in Melbourne.

“Yeah I suppose this will be the first time I haven’t been at home for Christmas, but I think the family will understand,” joked Rankin.

The 29-year-old knows it’s going to be very diffcult to break into Andy Fowler’s world class bowling attack of Jimmy Anderson, Chris Broad and Graeme Swann, but if called upon he’s going to be ready.

“We have an outstanding bowling attack, but we have a few warm up games before the first test and if I get my chance in some games then it’s up to me to take it.

“Although this will be my first time in Australia, Iam hoping their conditions in terms of pace and bounce will suit me.”

Despite knowing he was part of the England squad on Sunday morning, he still didn’t forget his roots as he was keeping an eye on his old clubs’ play-off match against St Johnston.

“I always keep an eye on how things are going in the North West and particularly Bready, so yeah I was on twitter on Sunday just keeping an eye on their big play-off match, thankfully they won and stayed up,” he added.

“Bready is a a big club in the North West and while they struggled this year and I’m hoping they’ll bounce back next year. They continue to produce young cricketers, which in the long term benefits them and Irish cricket.

“All clubs need to produce their own players and I know that the talent continues to come through in the North West to be fair Bready use their facility really well to do that.”

Rankin also conceded that he hopes one day, Ireland will get their test status and if they do he may even face them again.