The die-hard fans of cricket would have noticed a new trend in the way the cricketers approach the game these days. Quite a few players from top countries have left their nation and moved to other nations for better opportunities. England has been one of the hubs for such players.
The England squad that won the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup had players who were born in Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa and even West Indies. While most of the cricketers consider moving from their home country to England, the following five players left the English side and joined another country for better opportunities.
1. Boyd Rankin left England
Former Ireland fast bowler Boyd Rankin made his international debut for Ireland but moved to England a few years later. He played one Test, seven ODIs and two T20Is for the English side before returning to Ireland. Rankin is the only player to have played Test cricket for both England and Ireland.
2. Gary Ballance will soon leave England
Middle-order batter Gary Ballance was an important member of the English squads during the 2014/15 season. However, he is no longer a regular member of the squad now. Ballance has planned to return to his home nation Zimbabwe.
3. Liam Plunkett left England
Liam Plunkett was a part of the English squad that lifted the 2019 World Cup trophy on home soil. However, the fast bowler did not get enough chances to play after that. He has shifted to the USA now.
4. Ed Joyce
Left-handed opener Ed Joyce donned the English jersey in international cricket from 2006 to 2007. Four years later, he started playing for Ireland and remained a part of the Irish team until retirement.
5. Amjad Khan
Amjad Khan made his T20I debut for the English team back in the year 2009. However, it proved to be his only T20I appearance for the side. He now plays international cricket for Denmark.