Rankin set to play for Ireland after England tryst
Boyd Rankin is all set to become first cricketer in 25 years to play Test cricket for two countries, if he is picked in the Ireland team playing XI for their historical first ever Test against Pakistan at Dublin, starting Friday. Afghanistan will soon join Ireland as Test cricket’s latest member when they take on India in June.
A lengthy stint in the English County circuit had helped Rankin break through the England cricket team ranks, as he was a part of their disastrous Ashes tour to Australia in 2013-14.
The exit of players such as Graeme Swann and Jonathan Trott, combined with poor form of several others had forced England selectors to bring in Rankin for the final Test at Sydney.
He took one wicket in the Sydney Test as Australia went on to clinch a 5-0 victory.
However, he quickly fell out of favour from the England set-up and it was in 2015 that Rankin announced that he will return to Ireland.
With Ireland awarded Test status last year along with Afghanistan, Rankin was presented another opportunity to relive his dream of playing Test cricket.
The 33-year-old fast bowler claimed four wickets last week for the North-West Warriors, a provincial team in Ireland, against Leinster Lightning to bolster his preparations for the maiden Test against the Pakistan cricket team.
Only two players in the past — Kepler Wessels and John Traicos — have played Test cricket for two countries.
While Wessels played for Australia and later came back to play for South Africa when they were welcomed back to the international cricket fold, Traicos represented South Africa and Zimbabwe.
As many as 10 players, including Irishman Ed Joyce, have played ODI cricket for two countries and six players have done so in T20Is.
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