Premier Cricket 2018-19: Ringwood champion Ian Holland looking to launch international career with England

Ringwood champion Ian Holland will relinquish the Ringwood captaincy next season as the champion all-rounder looks to launch an international career with England.

Ian Holland sends one down for Ringwood this season. Picture: Mark Dadswell/AAP

Ringwood champion Ian Holland will relinquish the Ringwood captaincy next season as the champion all-rounder looks to launch an international career with England.

Holland recently signed a three-year contract extension with County club Hampshire, and will be eligible to be selected for England.

The England and Wales Cricket Board recently relaxed its eligibility rules for foreign-born players, slashing residency requirements from seven to three years.

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It means the 28-year-old, who has lived in the UK for two years, will be eligible to be selected for the Three Lions during the 2020 season.

American-born Holland holds a British passport through his English father and made his County debut in 2017.

Ringwood coach Gavin Kellar said it was unlikely Holland would captain the club next season.

“Ian could definitely captain our club but, due to the changes in that, he feels it would be unfair of him to do it,” Kellar said.

“He still wants to come back and play but he’s got a dream to play for England.”

Holland is a contender to collect his second Ryder Medal next month as Premier Cricket’s best player after hitting 680 runs and collecting 20 wickets this season.

He also won the award in 2014-15.

Kellar said Holland wanted to play international cricket.

Ian Holland cracks a cut shot for Ringwood. Picture: Mark Dadswell/AAP

“That’s his target and our job as Premier club is to get guys hopefully to the next level and beyond,” Kellar said.

“For him to have signed that three-year deal for a genuine chance (of England selection), and especially in the short-form game, there’s guys representing England who are very similar type players to him.

“That’s the goal but he’ll still come back … he’s played cricket with us since he was 10 years old but he wants to play for England. He still wants to do his best for Ringwood but a non-selfish reason for him because his sights are set on that.

“He wants to make sure whoever is captaining the club puts as much time into it as they should.”