Fast bowler Boyd Rankin has announced his retirement from cricket at the age of 36.

He's Ireland's second highest wicket-taker of all-time across the formats and represented his country across 18 years.

The Derry native was part of the team which beat Pakistan at the 2007 World Cup and England four years later and he made history by taking Ireland's first test wicket.

Rankin also played seven One-Day Internationals, two Twenty20s and in an Ashes Test for the English team during a time when Ireland wasn't a test nation.

"To retire from international cricket is always a tough call, but I feel now is the right time to step away," he said of his decision to retire.

"I have put my heart and soul into playing cricket professionally since 2003 and have loved every minute of it.

"I never dreamt I would play for Ireland as much as I did and to travel the world playing in numerous World Cups and to pull on the Irish jersey is something I will never forget."

#ThankYouBoyd pic.twitter.com/GrUnNw1Hpa

— Cricket Ireland (@cricketireland) May 21, 2021

"I always strived to be the best player I could be and to play at the highest level possible, so to make my Test debut for England during a time when Ireland wasn't a Test-playing nation was a very proud moment. I will miss all the guys I played alongside the most and enjoying the wins we had along the way.

"My best memories and achievements that stick out for me would be the World Cup wins - in 2007 World Cup beating Pakistan and Bangladesh to put Irish cricket on the world map, and the 2011 win against England.

"Being part of the team to play Ireland’s first men’s Test match was a special moment, as well as taking Ireland’s first Test wicket."