 Boyd Rankin in action during the World Twenty-20 in June |
Boyd Rankin and Niall O'Brien return to a full-strength Ireland squad for the RSA Challenge one day clash against England at Stormont next week. The duo were unavailable for this week's Intercontinental Cup drawn game against Scotland in Aberdeen. John Mooney is also included in the 13-man squad for the 27 August game and this weekend's games against Scotland. "With a full strength squad, we are a match for any country on our day," said Ireland coach Phil Simmons. "We've shown that with our results in the past, and we'll continue to do so in the future." "I don't know if this is the best Ireland team ever but we have a great bunch of talented cricketers who are playing with great confidence at the moment. "We have got great depth in our batting and plenty of options in the bowling as well. "If we play well, then certainly we can beat England. They will be favourites for sure, but cricket has a nice habit of throwing up surprises." Ireland captain William Porterfield is excited about the prospect of leading his side out against England. "I was 12th man when England last played here in 2006, so in three years I've gone from being a squad player to captaining my country," added the Irish skipper. "There's sure to be a wonderful atmosphere on the day, and it's been good to hear that the tickets are now virtually sold out. "With the crowd behind us, we can give England a real competitive game." Ireland will warm up for their game against England by taking on the Scots in two one-day games in Aberdeen this weekend.
Ireland squad: W Porterfield capt (Gloucestershire), A Botha (North County), A Cusack (Clontarf), TJohnston (Railway Union), J Mooney (North County), K McCallan (Waringstown), K O'Brien (Railway Union), N O'Brien (Northamptonshire), B Rankin (Warwickshire), P Stirling (Carrickfergus), R West (Civil Service North), A White (Instonians), G Wilson (Surrey)
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