England quick Ollie Robinson believes he is ready to return to Test cricket and show his best form if he gets another chance during the upcoming home summer. The fast bowler has not played a Test match for more than two years, with his last appearance coming during England’s five-wicket loss to India in Ranchi in February 2024. Since then, a mix of injuries and competition for places has kept him out of the national setup.
However, with injuries to key pacers like Brydon Carse and Mark Wood, along with the retirements of experienced bowlers James Anderson, Chris Woakes and Stuart Broad, there are openings in England’s pace attack. With a busy home season coming up, including two three-match ICC World Test Championship series against New Zealand and Pakistan, Robinson sees a realistic chance of making a comeback.
He revealed that he has been in touch with head coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key, which has motivated him further. Strong performances for Sussex in county cricket have also boosted his confidence.
“I had a text from Baz (McCullum) at the start of the season, just to say that the door was still open, which was nice,” Robinson told ESPN Cricinfo.
“Keysy (Key) rang me as well, to say ‘take wickets, knock the door down’ and there’s still a spot for you. Keysy came down to the Warwickshire game at Hove and just text me saying how well I bowled, how nice my rhythm looked. It was really nice to hear that from him.
“For me, at the start of the season when I took the captaincy on, I didn’t realise the door was still open. I thought it was closed. It’s definitely spurred me on this season,” he added.
Robinson has picked up 11 wickets in four County matches for Sussex this season. The 32-year-old also scored his second first-class century in his most recent game against Surrey at The Oval, underlining his all-round contribution.
He added that he is now in a much better place both mentally and physically, and feels more prepared than ever to perform at the highest level.
“My mind is on cricket and nothing else. I’ve got the love for the game back,” Robinson added.
“I probably feel more ready now than I did when I first got into the England team. And I’ve probably grown up a bit since then as well. Hopefully that all helps if I get the call.
“I have no issues (with England management) – I never have to be honest. A few things went on in India (during his last tour in 2024), I don’t know what they really were. We’ve never really ironed anything out.
“I think to get the message from Baz and the call from Keysy suggests, whatever it was, the door is open and just to perform and try and get back in,” he further said.