Rankin, Murtagh back in Ireland squad

Fast bowler Boyd Rankin, who had restored his cricketing ties with Ireland, has been named in a 16-member full-strength squad for the Intercontinental Cup match against Papua New Guinea, starting January 31 in Townsville, and the subsequent UAE tour.

Ireland coach John Bracewell also revealed that paceman Tim Murtagh, who had retired from Twenty20 cricket in May 2015, has overturned his decision and has been included in the squad to play three T20s against PNG in Townsville and three more in the UAE.

“It’s great news that Tim has had a change of heart. His experience is invaluable and gives extra strength and depth to our attack,” Bracewell said. “We’ve a total of six T20’s lined up which will help us get into the right frame of mind ahead of [the World T20 in] India.”

Rankin’s experience could be vital to that cause as well. He had played nine limited-overs matches and made a one-off Test appearance for England in Sydney, in addition to 82 international games for Ireland.

“The return of Boyd Rankin gives William (Porterfield) plenty of options on the bowling front,” Bracewell said. “We’ve been trying hard to get Boyd back into the fold and it’s given everyone an extra boost to have that wrapped up before Christmas.”

There was no room for allrounder Max Sorensen and batsman Andrew Poynter in the Intercontinental Cup squad, but they made the cut in the T20 squad.

Ireland currently top the table in the Intercontinental Cup with 40 points, courtesy two wins in two matches.

Squad for Intercontinental Cup match against PNG: William Porterfield (captain) (Warwickshire), Andrew Balbirnie (Middlesex), George Dockrell (Leinster), Ed Joyce (Sussex), Tim Murtagh (Middlesex), Andrew McBrine (Donemana), Kevin O’Brien (Railway Union), Niall O’Brien (Leicestershire), Stuart Poynter (Durham), Boyd Rankin (Warwickshire), Paul Stirling (MIddlesex), Stuart Thompson (Eglinton), Gary Wilson (Surrey), Craig Young (Bready)

Squad for T20s against PNG and UAE tour: William Porterfield (captain) (Warwickshire), Andrew Balbirnie (Middlesex), George Dockrell (Leinster), Tim Murtagh (Middlesex), Andrew McBrine (Donemana), Kevin O’Brien (Railway Union), Niall O’Brien (Leicestershire), Andrew Poynter (Clontarf), Stuart Poynter (Durham), Boyd Rankin (Warwickshire), Max Sorensen (CIYMS), Paul Stirling (Middlesex), Stuart Thompson (Eglinton), Gary Wilson (Surrey), Craig Young (Bready)