Rankin ruled out of England ODIs while Kevin O'Brien and Stirling make a comeback

Ireland seamer Boyd Rankin has been ruled out of the two-match one-day international series against England due to a back injury. However, with what comes in as a good news for the Irish team Kevin O’Brien and Paul Stirling are all set to make a comeback in their national side, as they have recovered from their recent injuries.

Rankin had resumed back his career with Ireland last year after a brief stint with England, which included one Test, seven ODIs and two T20Is. The 32-year-old Warwickshire bowler is suffering from a back problem which keeps him out of the 14-man squad to tour England in the first week of May.

The Irish team will also miss out on the service of their 21-year-old leggie Jacob Mulder due to a similar complaint.

Ireland’s star player Kevin O’Brien has recovered from a hamstring problem he had suffered during the one-day series against Afghanistan. His comeback will definitely add the much-needed strength to their middle order.

While the hard-hitting opener, Stirling will now be available after a finger injury which kept him out of the Intercontinental Cup match. The series will be Ireland’s first limited-overs experience on English soil as they take the field at Bristol on May 5 and Lord’s couple of days later.

Following this Ireland will then be involved in a tri-series against Bangladesh and New Zealand in Dublin.

Head coach John Bracewell said of the series: “The opportunity to play England in England and in particular at Lord’s is not only historic but a great tribute to Irish cricket and its journey.

“The 14 selected give us the best balance available to take on England. It’ll be another great challenge for our players, but one everyone associated with Irish cricket can’t wait for.”

Captain William Porterfield added: “We’re all determined to do well, and while we’ll certainly respect England, there’s absolutely no fear factor there. It helps that there are seven survivors from our World Cup win against them, so it shows just how much experience there is in the camp, as well as a number of younger players who have the hunger to make history again.”

Ireland squad for England ODIs: William Porterfield (Capt), Andrew Balbirnie, Peter Chase, George Dockrell, Ed Joyce, Tim Murtagh, Andrew McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Kevin O’Brien, Niall O’Brien, Paul Stirling, Stuart Thompson, Gary Wilson, Craig Young.