Boyd Rankin, who is one of only 15 cricketers in the history of the sport to represent two nations at Test cricket, has today announced his retirement from international and Ireland's inter-provincial cricket.
Rankin made his international debut for Ireland in 2003 at the age of 19 against the Free Foresters. The 6’8 pacer went on to represent Ireland in 153 games between 2003 and 2020 in two stints, separated by his three-year stint for England wherein he made his Test debut against Australia in an Ashes Test in 2014.
The tall seamer clinched 229 wickets at 23.39 apiece for Ireland and finished as the eighth highest wicket-taker for the country at international level. His two of the finest wicket-taking seasons were 2018 and 2019 where he claimed 30 and 47 wickets respectively, displaying his enduring value to his national team over recent campaigns.
England career summary
Rankin represented England from 2013-2015, and played one Test, 7 ODIs and 2 T20Is.
His most impressive bowling performance for England came against Ireland at Malahide in 2013 where he took 4/46.
Announcing his decision, Rankin said: “To retire from international cricket is always a tough call, but I feel now is the right time to step away. I have put my heart and soul into playing cricket professionally since 2003 and have loved every minute of it. I never dreamt I would play for Ireland as much as I did and to travel the world playing in numerous World Cups and to pull on the Irish jersey is something I will never forget. To have also a long career in county cricket especially during my 11-year stint with Warwickshire where we won the County Championship, 50-over competition twice and the T20 Blast in 2014 was very special and something I am very grateful for. I always strived to be the best player I could be and to play at the highest level possible, so to make my Test debut for England during a time when Ireland wasn’t a Test-playing nation was a very proud moment. I will miss all the guys I played alongside the most and enjoying the wins we had along the way."
“There are many people to thank for helping me on this journey, firstly my parents for introducing me to the game and taking me to practice and games as a kid growing up, and for supporting me throughout my career. Also to my partner Anna who has helped and supported me for the last part of my career. There are various coaches that have helped me along the way – Brían O'Rourke in my younger years with Ireland underage teams, Mike Hendrick during my time at Derbyshire and Ireland helped me in my early years to become the bowler I became, Adi Birrell for giving me the opportunity during the 2007 World Cup, as well as Phil Simmons, John Bracewell and Graham Ford over my Ireland career. Ashley Giles, Dougie Brown, Allan Donald and Graeme Welch also had a massive influence on me at Warwickshire, and I thank them for all their help and guidance. It’s hard to single out individual coaches but all those guys all deserve a mention."
"My best memories and achievements that stick out for me would be the World Cup wins – in 2007 World Cup beating Pakistan and Bangladesh to put Irish cricket on the world map, and the 2011 win against England. Being part of the team to play Ireland’s first men’s Test match was a special moment, as well as taking Ireland’s first Test wicket."
“Finally, thank you for the support from everyone involved in Irish cricket – the support has been amazing over the years and to see all the supporters in the stands cheering the boys in green during games all around the world has been our 12th Man! I hope cricket in Ireland continues to grow and I wish Fordy, Andy and the players well for the future."
Graham Ford, Head Coach of the men’s international side, said: “Unfortunately Father Time catches up with all cricketers. Sadly it is now Boyd’s time, but he can be so proud of his brilliant career and all of what he has achieved in the game. During my involvement with Cricket Ireland, he has been an ultimate professional, shown great courage while bowling through body niggles and put in many high impact performances. I sincerely wish him a highly successful and exciting next life chapter.”
Gary Wilson, Head Coach of the North West Warriors and long-term international teammate, said: “I had the pleasure of playing with Boyd for a number of years. He was a great man to have on your team – certainly, better to have him with you than playing against you, as we found out a couple of times when he went to play for England. He deserves all the plaudits he is going to get from the cricket community right across the world, and I’d just like to congratulate him on what has been a fantastic career. It’s been a career which he should be very proud of, and one which every Irish cricket fan should be proud of him for.”
“I hope we haven’t seen the last of him in North West Warriors colours, hopefully he’ll be able to help the boys as and when his time allows it, but for now he should just enjoy retirement with the family, get the feet up and enjoy a rest.”
