Irish cricket talent set to return after giving up on England prospects

Irish cricket is set for a huge boost with the news that Boyd Rankin will now seek to return to the team.

Irish cricket is set for a huge boost with the news that Boyd Rankin has given-up on trying to break back into the England team and will now seek to return to the Ireland set-up in time for next year's World Twenty20 in India.

The talented fast bowler has once-again been left out of the England senior team as well as their fast bowlers' camp in South Africa and he could now resume playing for Ireland as early as January of next year.

According to the Daily Telegraph, the 31-year-old has already held talks with Cricket Ireland about returning to the fold. Rankin hasn’t played for England since 2014, so he could make a speedy return to the Irish squad ahead of the World Twenty20 in India in March.

Earlier, Cricket Ireland announced that it will take on both South Africa and Australia in one-day internationals next year.

Will Porterfield’s side will face the Proteas at Sahara Park in Benoni, South Africa on September 25 before going up against the touring Australians at the same venue two days later.

It is a welcome boost for the associate nation, who will also play two 50-over matches against both Sri Lanka and Pakistan in Ireland in 2016, as they look to further prove themselves on the world stage.

Ireland were defeated by world champions Australia in a closer-than-anticipated encounter in Belfast earlier this year.

Head coach John Bracewell said: “It’s fantastic news for Irish cricket. These are exactly the type of fixtures Irish cricket needs to take the game to the next level. There are fewer tougher challenges than playing South Africa in their home conditions plus the number one ranked side in Australia.

“The players will all relish the challenge and allied with the home fixtures already confirmed against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, we are seeing a much needed increase in the volume of top class cricket that we need.”