Rankin out of England ODIs; Kevin O'Brien and Stirling return

Pace bowler Boyd Rankin has been ruled out of Ireland's two one-day internationals against England next month but Kevin O'Brien and Paul Stirling have recovered from their recent injuries.

Rankin, who played one Test, seven ODIs and two T20Is for England between 2013 and 2014 before resuming his career with Ireland, is suffering from a back problem which kept him out of the recent matches against Afghanistan. Ireland will also be missing 21-year-old legspinner Jacob Mulder due to a back problem.

Kevin O'Brien injured his hamstring during the one-day series against Afghanistan but is now able to resume his spot in the middle order, while Stirling has recovered from a finger injury which kept him out of the Intercontinental Cup match against the same opponents.

The series marks Ireland's first one-day internationals on English soil, with matches at Bristol and Lord's, and begins a busy month for Ireland who then take part in a tri-series involving Bangladesh and New Zealand in Dublin.

"There's no doubt that the games against England will be tough but we've got some hard cricket under our belts this past few months and that will stand us in good stead for the challenges that await," Porterfield said. "We're all determined to do well, and while we'll certainly respect England, there's absolutely no fear factor there."