Duo ready for World Cup

Ireland skipper William Porterfield and opening bowler Boyd Rankin are both expected to play a pivotal role as Ireland attempt to cause yet another major shock against cricketing super powers, and the pair have spoken to Sentinel Sport's cricket correspondent Barry Chambers who's in the Caribbean.

The players are returning to the country where in 2007 they made such an impact, which heralded their arrival in international cricket. Wins against Pakistan and Bangladesh, and a dramatic tie with Zimbabwe, launched Irish cricket onto a whole new level, and it's been up and up ever since.

Porterfield is now captain of the team, and can't wait for the action to begin: "It's a fantastic feeling to be leading out your country in a World Cup. It doesn't get much better than that," said the former Donemana man.

"We play the hosts West Indies on Friday, and England next Tuesday. The games are all sell outs, with not a ticket to be had anywhere. The games are being shown live in 190 countries, so it's a massive event, and we have a great opportunity to cause yet another upset.

"You have to pinch yourself sometimes when you realise just how far things have progressed in such a short space of time. It's not that long since I was playing with Killyclooney and Donemana in the North West, and now I've a full-time contract with Gloucestershire, and have won over 100 caps.

"We have given ourselves every chance with our preparation for this trip. We've been away for a month training and playing in Jamaica and Trinidad. By the time the action starts, we'll have played 11 games in that period – more than any of the other competing countries.

"It would be another great boost if we could get a win – especially over England who we should have beaten in Belfast last August. We lost by just three runs, and that was hard to stomach.

"We have Boyd Rankin back playing again after his foot injury, and that takes our attack to a completely different level. With his height he can be such a difficult proposition for batsmen with the extra bounce he generates, and I expect him to be at the forefront for us here again."

Rankin has fond memories of Guyana and the West Indies following his exploits in 2007. Against England he memorably dismissed Ed Joyce and Michael Vaughan, as he finished Ireland's leading wicket taker with 12 wickets, his victims reading like a Who's Who of international superstars.

The ex-Bready pace man himself is raring to go after a frustrating time with injury: "I'm now back feeling stronger and fitter than ever. I had a stress reaction in my right foot, and was advised rest to heal it. I played two games in Trinidad last week, and was a bit rusty in the first, but felt good in the second. It was a real confidence boost to ourselves to beat Trinidad in that second game so convincingly. Everything seemed to clicked, and you feel we're peaking at the right time.

"I realise it's vital for us to create pressure by taking early wickets, and that's my role in the team. I set the standard in those early overs, and if we're to be successful, I've to make inroads. I feel we can make the Super Eight phase yet again, and it won't be for the want of trying if we don't," concluded Rankin.

Ireland play West Indies on Friday and their game with England is on Tuesday, May 4 and both games will be shown live on Sky Sports 1.