Rankin named in Ireland squad for inaugural Test

Rankin is the only player with previous Test experience having donned England colours in the final match of its 0-5 Ashes series loss to Australia in 2013-14.

Rankin is the only player with previous Test experience having donned England colours in the final match of its 0-5 Ashes series loss to Australia in 2013-14.

Boyd Rankin will spearhead Ireland’s pace attack when the side makes its Test debut against Pakistan at the Malahide Cricket Club next week.

Ireland, on Friday, named its 14-member squad for the iconic one-off Test fixture. Led by William Porterfield, the side also has seasoned hands Kevin O’Brien and his brother Niall, along with county cricketers Tim Murtagh, Paul Stirling and Gary Wilson.

Rankin is the only player with previous Test experience having donned England colours in the final match of its 0-5 Ashes series loss to Australia in 2013-14.

The squad: William Porterfield (captain), Andrew Balbirnie, Ed Joyce, Tyrone Kane, Andy McBrine, Tim Murtagh, Kevin O’Brien, Niall O’Brien, Boyd Rankin, Nathan Smith, Paul Stirling, James Shannon, Stuart Thompson, Gary Wilson.