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Ollie Robinson has returned to England’s Test team. Hands up those of you who watched it six months ago.
A lot of hands down, I would imagine, an international career that saw him take 76 wickets at an average of under 23 in 20 matches.
Now, against New Zealand at Lord’s from Thursday, it looks set to resume.
Robinson can hold his hand as he assesses why someone with his star stats hasn’t been seen in Test whites since the tour of India in early 2024.
His low fitness levels and, potentially, a lack of determination to fix them have run out of England’s patience.
Robinson took 76 wickets in 20 Tests at an average of 22.92
In his previous Test against India in Ranchi, Robinson suffered back spasms while batting and his speed dropped below 70mph with the ball.
He also suffered back problems during the 2023 home Ashes, while his fitness was questioned earlier, with then bowling coach John Lewis expressing concern after another problem in the 2021/22 Ashes.
Lewis said of Robinson at the time: “If he is going to perform consistently at this level for a long time, he has to be a fitter bowler.”
Robinson also teased the aftermath of a visit to India two years ago by revealing behind-the-scenes details on a podcast he hosted with his current wife, social media influencer Mia Baker. An episode was dropped at England’s request.
England managing director Rob Key said when discussing Robinson’s withdrawal for the New Zealand series that Seamer was “not disruptive” and “there was no problem with the set-up” but you get the sense that the podcast story was another black mark against his name.
Robinson has been plagued by back spasms throughout his England career
Add all of Robinson’s shortcomings together and it means a major player in the first iteration of baseball – he helped England to a series win over South Africa and a 3-0 sweep of Pakistan – did not play a game while the full focus turned to trying to win the Ashes overseas for the first time since 11/2010, when baseball 2.0 came into effect.
But the penny may have finally dropped for Robinson and England.
‘Growing up’ Robinson could bring much-needed control to England
In baseball 3.0, or whatever we call this reset after the 4-1 loss in Australia, Robinson has a chance to play a key role, leading the attack with the new ball.
“I probably feel more prepared now than I did coming into the England team. And I’ve probably grown a bit since then,” Robinson said. ESPNcricinfo recently
“I’ve probably learned a bit more about my body. Mentally I’m a lot clearer, with a lot less baggage and I think that affects the body as well. I train harder.”
Robinson scored a County Championship century for Sussex against Surrey this season.
Robinson’s development may owe a lot to being the Sussex captain, which he pushed to settle in his personal life. She has a child on the way.
Even after being away from international cricket for an extended period of time, Robinson realized that he wanted it. And the often dirty bowlers England bowled in the Ashes may have made the hierarchy realize how much they needed him.
On many occasions against Australia, the balls were delivered short and wide outside the off-stump and were easily tucked into the boundary. You wouldn’t get that from Robinson. England were clamoring for his accuracy, control and skill.
His wealth is manifold. Long, high release point, able to generate bounce, a wrist position that allows him to nip the ball both ways, challenging the inside and outside edges. That said, when he’s at his usual 82 or 83 mph, Robinson is “world class.”
Robinson’s job now is to ensure he stays on that pace and doesn’t dip into the high 70s or below, something he has often been guilty of of late in his spells and Test cricket days. Hope it helps to be strong in mind and body.
All England can do is snarl Robinson. Getting into the opposition’s face is a big part of his game – ie Usman Khawaja found out in the 2023 Ashes – and that element is perhaps the other thing Ben Stokes has lacked this winter.
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Sky Sports’ Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain discuss the England squad for the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s
His batting ability – he has two first-class centuries, including one against Surrey this season – is also a bonus, especially in the post-Chris Woakes era.
Robinson has long been touted as the long-term successor to James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Woakes and after his relegation, he has that chance again.
He should be held with both hands.
Watch the first Test between England and New Zealand at Lord’s, live Sky Sports Cricket And main event Thursday from 10am (11am first ball). Didn’t get the sky? Get Sky Sports or Stream with NOW.
