CRICKET:IRELAND WILL have to plan without Boyd Rankin for their upcoming tour to the UAE and Bangladesh after the opening bowler failed in his bid to get back to full fitness after suffering a stress fracture in his foot.
Rankin, who has signed a three-year deal with Warwickshire, picked up the injury while playing in the Indian Cricket League in December. Although he is back bowling, it was decided it was too much of a risk to take him on the tour.
Warwickshire bowling coach Allan Donald is working with the 6ft 8in bowler in a bid to remodel a bowling action which has left him prone to injury throughout his career. Rankin (23) said: "The injury has healed, and I have started back doing bowling drills with Allan Donald, adjusting a few things in my action just this week.
"It was decided between everyone it would be too soon to be back bowling at full fitness. I'm concerned if I come back too soon it might not be fully recovered and I could break down again."
Phoenix opening bowler David Langford-Smith will replace Rankin in the squad after making himself available following an earlier decision to rule himself out for the early part of the year due to work commitments.
A delighted Irish coach, Phil Simmons, explained: "Dave Langford-Smith's work is going better than he anticipated, and thankfully he is able to get the necessary time off. Hopefully with Allan Donald working on remodelling Boyd's action, we'll get a fitter and more confident fast bowler."
Ireland faces the UAE in an Intercontinental Cup clash from March 6th-9th in Abu Dhabi before they take on Bangladesh in three One-Day Internationals on March 18th, 20th and 22nd.
Meanwhile, half centuries from Cecelia Joyce and Clare Shillington helped Ireland claim third spot as they beat Holland by 66 runs at the Women's World Cup qualifying event in Stellenbosch, South Africa yesterday. Ireland hit 237 from their 50 overs, Joyce top-scoring with 65 while Malahide star Shillington hit 60.
Holland got off to a good start in reply but some fine leg-spin bowling from Ciara Metcalfe (3 for 21) slowed their progress. Captain Heather Whelan also picked up three wickets as the Dutch finished on 171 for 9. South Africa hammered Pakistan by eight wickets to take the title.
WOMEN'S WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS - Third place play-off, Stellenbosch, South Africa: Ireland 237 (49.4 ovs) (C Joyce 65, C Shillington 60; M de Fouw 3-23, D Braat 3-39), Holland 171-9 (50 ovs) (P te Beest 32 A Tanke 28; C Metcalfe 3-21, H Whelan 3-37). Ireland won by 66 runs.
