Rankin joins Warwickshire

Boyd Rankin, the Ireland quick bowler, has signed a two-year deal with Warwickshire after turning down a contract with Derbyshire.

Rankin made his mark at the World Cup but struggled for fitness during the 2007 season and appeared in just three Championship matches. However, Derbyshire had offered him a new deal but said Rankin hadn't responded so they released him.

"We wanted to back his potential and continue to develop his career under the guidance of [head of cricket] John Morris and [bowling coach] Mike Hendrick in particular, who has done so much for him since bringing him to Derbyshire," said chief executive Tom Sears. "The offer was made a long time ago during the season and, despite telling us some weeks ago he was likely to stay, Boyd has not signed the new deal."

But Rankin explained his side of the story, saying he thinks the move comes at the right time of his career and the chance to work with Allan Donald was too good to miss. "Derbyshire made me a very good offer, and it was a difficult decision to leave, as they have been very good to me. Having examined my options, my agent informed them I wouldn't be resigning before their deadline passed. I'd like to go on record to thank Mike Hendrick who has been instrumental in my career development."

"However once the opportunity arose with Warwickshire, and the chance to work with their bowling coach Allan Donald, it was something I had to go for. I'm looking forward to the next few years, both domestically and internationally. I've a contract to play in the Indian League along with Niall O' Brien, and it looks like I'll be in Bangladesh with Ireland in March."