Rainsford played two matches for the Gloucestershire Second XI in the Second XI Championship in 2008,[1] taking five wickets at an average of 35.20, with a best of 3/56.[2]
He is primarily a right-arm medium-fast seam bowler with a 22.03 first-class average whose yorker-bowling skill is well documented.
During the 2006 Zimbabwean tour of Bangladesh, Rainsford left the tour early to fulfil a club contract in England with North London side Harefield CC. He took 33 wickets in 17 games, including a spectacular 4 wickets in 4 consecutive balls.
Edward Rainsford was ruled out of the World Cup 2011 due to an ankle injury, having to return home prematurely on that count.