Boyd Rankin
Warwickshire

A cattle and sheep farmer from Londonderry, towering over his team-mates at 6ft 8ins tall, Boyd Rankin's obvious main attribute is his height, gaining steepling bounce off a length. But in spite of his inexperience, he showed impressive composure in the 2007 World Cup and finished the tournament as Ireland's leading wicket-taker with 12 wickets at 27. Having spent time on the staff at Lord's, Derbyshire spotted a rising star - in more ways than one - and signed him for the 2007 season. His appearances were limited by injury, but even so he was offered a contract extension. He turned it down and signed with Warwickshire instead.