Full Name: William Boyd Rankin Date of Birth: July 5, 1984 Birthplace: Londonderry, Northern Ireland Teams: Ireland National Team, England National Team (2013–2014), Warwickshire, Derbyshire, Ireland Wolves At 6 feet 8 inches tall, Boyd Rankin wasn’t just a physical presence on the cricket field — he was a symbol of how far Irish cricket could stretch, both in ambition and ability. A genuine fast bowler with bounce, accuracy, and heart, Rankin’s career spanned countries, formats, and transitions, all tied together by a commitment to represent Ireland at the highest level. Born in Londonderry, Rankin was introduced to cricket at an early age in a family deeply immersed in the sport. Encouraged by his parents and inspired by the likes of Glenn McGrath, he honed his skills at Bready Cricket Club before advancing through the youth system in Northern Ireland. His height and ability to extract awkward bounce quickly made him a rare asset in a country known more for medium pacers and spinners. Rankin debuted for Ireland in 2007, just before the nation’s fairytale run in the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup. Though young, he made his mark with steep bounce and raw pace, often unsettling top-order batsmen. His best performances came in high-pressure games, including a memorable spell against Pakistan during the 2009 ICC World T20. Craving more exposure to elite cricket, Rankin made the controversial but ambitious decision to switch allegiance to England in 2012. He believed playing for a full-member nation would refine his skills and open doors to top-tier cricket. His dedication paid off when he made his Test debut for England during the 2014 Ashes series in Sydney — a historic feat, making him one of the few cricketers to represent two international sides in Test cricket. However, after limited opportunities and an unsatisfying experience with England, Rankin returned to his roots. In 2016, he resumed his journey with Ireland, rejoining a team that was transitioning toward Test status. When Ireland played their first-ever Test match in 2018 against Pakistan, it was Rankin who took Ireland’s first Test wicket, a fitting reward for his years of service and sacrifice. Across formats, Rankin claimed over 150 international wickets for Ireland. His best came in ODIs, where he consistently rattled top orders and formed a potent pace duo with Tim Murtagh. His tall frame and ability to bowl in good channels made him Ireland’s strike weapon, particularly in conditions that offered bounce or swing. Off the field, Rankin was quiet, humble, and fiercely loyal. He inspired a new generation of Irish pacers, like Josh Little and Craig Young, and remained deeply involved in Irish domestic cricket through Ireland Wolves and the Inter-Provincial Series. In May 2021, Boyd Rankin announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. But his legacy lives on — as a pathbreaker, a fighter, and a rare fast-bowling gem from the emerald isle. Rankin proved that even in a country of green pitches and underdogs, you could stand tall — literally and metaphorically — and make your mark on the world stage.