http://www.senore.com/Cricket/WB-Rankin-c2785 to quit Ireland cricket at the end of 2012 season – Cricket News Update
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/England-c749.
Rankin’s contract with Ireland cricket is due to expire at the end of December 2012, and the Co Derry-born lanky pacer refused from renewing his contract, despite a number of attempts made by the Irish cricket management to convince him not to end his Ireland
career.
Speaking to media reporters on Wednesday, the gangling pacer said that playing Test cricket has always been ambition and he wants to try his luck by moving to England. He will be available to Ireland for the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758, in September,
though.
"I’ve genuine ambitions of playing Test cricket and I have to give myself the best chance to do that," said the 28-year-old right-arm medium pace bowler.
Rankin is the third leading Irish player, after http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Ed-Joyce-c1417, to switch his international allegiance from Ireland to England, though Ed Joyce has returned to Irish duty.
Ireland’s head coach http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Philip-Verant-Simmons-c82175 described Rankin’s decision as a huge blow for the Ireland cricket. He, however hoped the young players to step up and grasp the opportunity that will be created by Rankin’s absence.
"It's obviously a very damaging blow for Ireland,” said Simmons adding, “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."
The Irish head coach also credited the gangling pacer for being a driving force behind Ireland’s recent successes.
Rankin, who also plays for England A and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Warwickshire-c862, said that reducing workload has also been one big reason behind his decision to quit Ireland cricket.
"I've decided to retire for several reasons, and among them is a need to reduce my workload," said Rankin, who has claimed 110 wickets for Ireland, since starting his career in 2003.
"It has become increasingly difficult to play for three different sides...Something had to give and unfortunately it had to be Ireland.”
Meanwhile, Rankin has also signed a three-year contract extension with Warwickshire County Cricket Club (CCC), ending speculation of a possible move to http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Somerset-c843. The signing will keep him at Edgbaston until the end of 2015 season.
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