William Boyd Rankin, commonly known as Boyd Rankin, is a towering figure in the world of cricket. Born on July 5, 1984, in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, Rankin first burst onto the international scene as part of the Ireland team that achieved remarkable success in the 2007 World Cup. Standing at an impressive height of six feet and seven inches, Rankin possessed the ability to generate exceptional bounce from even the most sluggish pitches, striking fear into the hearts of batsmen.
During the 2007 World Cup, Rankin showcased his immense talent by claiming 12 wickets, playing a crucial role in Ireland’s memorable victories over cricketing powerhouses Pakistan and Bangladesh. His performances not only earned him recognition but also paved the way for a potential move to Test cricket with England. In 2012, Rankin made himself unavailable for Ireland, aiming to fulfill his dream of playing Test cricket. This decision stirred controversy in his home country, as many were disappointed with his choice.
However, Rankin seemed to have justified his decision when he was named in England’s Ashes squad to tour Australia in 2013-14. His impressive displays in limited-overs cricket for England had caught the attention of selectors, and he grabbed this opportunity to prove his worth. Despite initial promise, Rankin’s progress with the England team was inconsistent. As 2015 drew to a close, he chose to restore his allegiance with Ireland, making himself available for selection once again.
Before his international stints, Boyd Rankin gained experience at domestic level. Initially, he spent time on the staff at Middlesex but failed to break into the first team. However, his World Cup success opened doors for him, and he earned a spot in the Derbyshire side. In 2009, Rankin’s dedication to strength and fitness started to pay off, and he began to fulfill his potential. That year, he was part of the Ireland team that achieved a historic victory over England in the World Cup.
Throughout his career, Rankin has consistently displayed pace, bounce, and lateral movement that can unsettle any batsman. Despite struggling with injuries at times, there is no doubt that when he is in full flow, he has the ability to trouble even the most accomplished players.
In addition to his performances at the international level, Rankin has represented England Lions and was selected on the England Performance Programme in 2011. He came close to being called up to the Test squad in 2012 but was hampered by fitness issues. Furthermore, he retired from Irish cricket in 2012 to focus on his chances of playing Test cricket for England.
Outside of cricket, Rankin comes from a cricket-loving farming family in Londonderry. His siblings have also represented Ireland at various levels, further showcasing the strong cricketing pedigree in his family. It is speculated that his career after cricket may bring him back to the family farm.
Boyd Rankin’s journey through the cricketing world has been nothing short of eventful. From representing Ireland with distinction to pursuing his dream of playing Test cricket for England, Rankin has faced both success and adversity. Injuries and questions regarding his temperament have challenged him, but his talent and determination have always shone through. As he continues to don the green jersey for Ireland, we can expect more memorable performances from this towering fast bowler.
