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Former Ireland and England seamer Boyd Rankin has announced his retirement from international and inter-provincial cricket. He is only the 15th cricketer to represent two countries in Tests.

The 36-year-old made his international debut for Ireland in 2003 at the age of 19 and went on to play 153 times for Ireland between 2003 and 2020 in two stints, separated by a three-year period playing for England during which time he made his Test debut in an Ashes Test against Australia in 2014.

“To retire from international cricket is always a tough call, but I feel now is the right time to step away. I have put my heart and soul into playing cricket professionally since 2003 and have loved every minute of it,” Rankin said in a statement.

“Thank you for the support from everyone involved in Irish cricket – the support has been amazing over the years and to see all the supporters in the stands cheering the boys in green on during games all around the world has been our 12th Man! I hope cricket in Ireland continues to grow,” he added.

Rankin first played for Ireland near the start of their journey in Associate cricket, featuring in the famous wins over Pakistan and Bangladesh at the 2007 World Cup, and also against England in the 2011 tournament, when Ireland chased down 328 in Bengaluru.