Rankin targets a seat on the Ashes flight to Australia

Boyd Rankin knows the big time could be just around the corner if he continues to impress England’s selectors in the NatWest Series.

Rankin (above) marked his second international for his adopted country with an eye-catching performance in the heavy defeat by Australia at Old Trafford.

The 6ft 7in Irishman took two for 49 and was the only bowler in England’s experimental squad to exert any control.

More of the same may be enough to sneak a place in the Ashes squad to fly to Australia next month.

“I hope to have the chance to push myself in there,” he said. “These ODIs are a great chance to show what I can do.”