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Ollie Robinson said he thought he would never play Test cricket for England again after ending a two-year absence at Lord’s on Thursday.
On a chaotic opening day of England’s first Test against New Zealand, the 32-year-old made his return in emphatic style, taking four for 10, including a triple-wicket maiden in his first over.
Robinson’s last international appearance came against India in 2024, and was overlooked by the selectors due to conditioning concerns.
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Robinson reflected a special return to Test cricket, which saw him take four New Zealand wickets on the first day of the first Test.
With the new ball in hand, Robinson started his first over with two dot balls before dismissing Devon Conway lbw.
Two deliveries later, Kane Williamson bowled a ball from Robinson to Emilio Gay and was ducked for two. On the last delivery of the over, Robinson trapped Ravindra lbw, sending the Lord’s patrons into a frenzy.
“I can’t really put it into words right now. It feels a little surreal,” Robinson said of his incredible comeback.
“Couldn’t have dreamed it. It’s been an amazing few hours, and it’s great to be back.
“Obviously there were doubts. I thought at Christmas, I’ll never play for England again.
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Highlights of the first day of the first Test between England and New Zealand at Lord’s
“To be back out there today and have everyone’s support, it was amazing and very special today.”
Gus Atkinson (1-8) dismissed Tom Latham lbw and Robinson hit a delivery onto Darryl Mitchell’s stumps with his fourth ball of the day. Josh Tongue (1-22) added the final wicket of Tom Blundell, leaving New Zealand at 61-6 at stumps.
Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum sought to freshen up their team in the wake of their disappointing Ashes campaign and looked to Robinson as a result. The English fast bowler said he was grateful for the decision, which seemed to be paying off very quickly.
“I really didn’t think I’d come back if I didn’t break the door with a performance,” said the Sussex bowler. “And luckily, I came back, and Buzz (McCallum) and Stokes (Stokes) gave me all the support they could, which I’m really grateful for.
“But Stokes (Stokes) told me last week, he sent me a text: ‘It’s great to have you back, but just know there’s still a lot of hard work to be done.’
“That’s constantly on my mind at the moment. There’s still a lot of hard work to do.
“These are the days that make it all worthwhile and the ones you play for. But I still have a lot of work to do. It’s great to be here again and to be here in the England shirt.”
Robinson was not ready to play in the Ashes
The Sussex fast bowler has worked hard to secure a place in the England Test squad, notably spending the winter in Australia playing grade cricket for the Sydney University Cricket Club.
Robinson was regarded as a bowler who excelled on hard Australian pitches, particularly at the Gabba and the MCG, and some questioned whether he should have been included in Stokes’ squad for the tour.
In response, Robinson said: “Honestly, I wasn’t ready to play where I am as a person and as a cricketer.
“It’s probably only in the last few months that I’ve gotten back into the game.
“As you know, I went to Australia in the winter and played some grade cricket and really fell back in love with the game.
Robinson (centre) says he is grateful to be back in the England squad
“Yes, the wicket might have suited me. But I wasn’t ready to play. I still have a lot of work to do to get back into the team.”
Robinson, who took 76 wickets in 20 Tests for England before the start of Thursday’s match, admitted he was keen to work hard and continue to develop his game.
“I don’t think I’m a different bowler,” Robinson said. “I’ve worked a lot in the last few months to get back to the bowler I want to be. I’m not quite there yet.
“There’s a lot of hard work and a lot of work to do. But I think, as people have said, my skills are not really in doubt. It’s my fitness and other things. When I got the call from Casey (Rob Key) and a text from Buzz (McCallum), I knew I had to work hard.
“That’s what I’ve been trying to do for the last few months. I’m by no means the last article, I still have a lot of work to do. Sessions like this definitely make it worthwhile.”
Watch the second day of the first Test between England and New Zealand at Lord’s Sky Sports Cricket And main event From 10.15 am on Friday. Didn’t get the sky? Get Sky Sports or Stream with NOW.
