Ashes 2013-14: Rankin injured on Test debut in Sydney

Former Ireland bowler Boyd Rankin suffered a deflating Test debut for England when he was forced from the field twice against Australia.

The County Tyrone paceman could only send down 8.2 overs before he limped from the Sydney Cricket Ground late in the opening day.

It was originally believed Rankin had a hamstring injury but teammate Ben Stokes said later that it was cramp.

"I think he'll be good to go in the next bowling innings," added Stokes.

The 29-year-old from Bready, who replaced Tim Bresnan in one of three English changes from the side beaten by eight wickets in the fourth Melbourne Test, bowled one ball in his ninth over before he came off for treatment before tea.

Rankin later returned to the field and bowled just one more delivery before again pulling up short.

He trudged from the field, reducing the tourists to just three front-line fast bowlers and leg-spinner Scott Borthwick.

"He's fine. It was just a bit of cramp, which is normal in Australian heat," said Stokes, who took 6-99.

Rankin's setback heaped further pressure on Alastair Cook's squad, who are battling to avoid the ignominy of a 5-0 series whitewash by the Australians.

Cook had early success after winning his first toss of the series, sending the home side into bat and reducing Australia to 97-5 before Brad Haddin and Steve Smith restored the innings with a 128-run sixth-wicket stand.

Australia were all out for 326 and had the tourists at 8-1 at stumps.

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