Rankin retires frominternational cricket

Rankin’s contract with Cricket Ireland expires at the end of December, so he is available for selection for the ICC World Twenty/20 which starts in Sri Lanka in September. The Cricket Ireland selectors meet this weekend to finalise the squad, which will be announced next week.

The 28-year-old Rankin explained his decision saying: “It’s been a difficult decision for me but I will be retiring from playing cricket for Ireland after the World T20, as I feel I can’t continue to play the amount of cricket I have been playing with Warwickshire, England Lions and Ireland over the last few years.

“I have genuine ambitions of playing Test cricket and I have to give myself the best chance to do that by reducing my workloads as a fast bowler and concentrating on playing cricket for Warwickshire.

“It has become increasingly difficult to play for three different sides throughout the year as it leaves me with little time for rest and recovery, which helps reduce my chance of injury.

“I want to say a massive thank you to Cricket Ireland who have supported me throughout my career and I owe them a lot. They have been very understanding in my decision and I know the door is never closed with them.”

Ireland coach Phil Simmons paid tribute to Rankin who has played an integral role as Ireland emerged on the global scene over the past five years: “Boyd has been a superb strike bowler for us, particularly in World Cups and qualifying tournaments. Time and time again he took vital early wickets and the new ball partnership he has forged with Trent Johnston has been one of the main reasons for our success since 2007.

“His extra pace and the lift he generates with his height made him a very dangerous proposition for our opponents and none relished facing him. It’s obviously a very damaging blow for Ireland, but we’ve lost players before and bounced back and I’m sure this time will be no exception. His absence will create opportunities for others and I’m certain they will grasp them.”

Since his debut as a 19-year-old in 2003, Rankin has played 79 times for Ireland, taking 110 wickets at an average of 24.05, with a best bowling return of 5 for 39 against Namibia in 2008.

He came to prominence during the 2007 World Cup where he was Ireland’s leading wicket taker - among his 12 victims were Michael Vaughan, Ed Joyce, Stephen Fleming, Younis Khan, Herschelle Gibbs and AB De Villiers.