Ollie Robinson remembers being surprised by former England fast bowler Stuart Broad

When Robinson was recalled, England director of cricket Rob Key said he was “back to full fitness”.

“When you look at his record, he’s up there statistically, among all the bowlers, all the time,” Key added.

Robinson started well against Sussex in the County Championship, winning three of six games and taking 18 wickets at 26.27.

However, Broad, who took 604 Test wickets, said why he was surprised that Robinson now seemed to have fallen out of favor with head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes.

“I’d love to know what’s changed — whether he’s suddenly improved his fitness or improved his attitude because he’s never given up because of performance,” Broad said.

“These guys never said that to me, I thought McCullum and Stokes lost faith and lost faith and that was the end of it.

“I think it’s probably a matter of who else is going to take the new ball? The new ball bowling in the Ashes was terrible and they need a new bowler.”

“There is no doubt that Ollie is the best new ball player in the country at the moment in England. He has an amazing ability to communicate the new ball and he returns it.

“Rob Key has said he is a world-class bowler at 82-83mph and the challenge for Robo is if 82-83mph lasts over three Tests and if he stays for each spell without getting out or missing a session.

“After being written off with character and attitude, many bowlers never get another chance.”