Rankin out of Afghanistan T20s with lower back injury

Boyd Rankin recently returned from a leg injury that had kept him out for five months © Peter Della Penna

Ireland fast bowler Boyd Rankin has been ruled out of the T20 international series against Afghanistan that began on Wednesday in Greater Noida due to a lower-back issue. However, he is still expected to play a part in the five-match ODI series, which starts from March 15.

“We are really happy with the progress Boyd is making and feel confident that he will still make an impact on this tour,” Ireland head coach John Bracewell said. “We are lucky that we have cover at present, and after the safe arrival of Murtagh’s second child, Tim will also be with us for the ODI series.”

Rankin had missed a significant portion of the season due to injury. The fast bowler, who turns out for Warwickshire, fractured his left leg (tibial fracture) during a training session with the county, which kept him out of cricket for five months. He missed Ireland’s one-day matches against Pakistan, South Africa and Australia as well as the Intercontinental Cup. He made his return in the Desert T20 Challenge where four matches yielded as many wickets at 18.25 and an economy rate of 6.63.

He was once again rested for the ODIs against United Arab Emirates in Dubai earlier this month, but joined the team for a 10-day training camp ahead of the ongoing series against Afghanistan.

The three-match T20 series will be followed by five ODIs, before the tour concludes with a four-day match. All the games are scheduled to take place in Greater Noida.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.


Source: ESPN Crickinfo

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