Bowler Ollie Robinson has been in contact with both England head coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key as he eyes a recall to the Test side.
The 32-year-old earned 20 Test caps between June 2021 and February 2024, taking an impressive 76 wickets at 22.92, but saw his time in an England shirt plagued by concerns over his fitness, including untimely back spasms against Australia in 2021-22 and India two years later.
His relationship with McCullum and captain Ben Stokes deteriorated following the latter series and he lost his central contract in October 2024.
Robinson, who took 39 wickets at 24.74 in 10 matches for Sussex in 2025, has taken 11 wickets at 28.54 from 104 overs this summer as well as scoring an unbeaten 100 as part of a memorable ninth-wicket stand with Jack Carson against Surrey – his second first-class century.
“I had a text from Baz at the start of the season, just to say that the door was still open, which was nice,” Robinson told ESPN Cricinfo.
“Keysy rang me as well, to say ‘take wickets, knock the door down’ and there’s still a spot for you.
“Keysey 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.”
England are expected to name their squad for the New Zealand series in mid-May, with the first Test starting on 4 June, and there will be plenty of attention on their bowling selections.
Last summer, Chris Woakes joined fellow recent retirees Stuart Broad and James Anderson in exiting the Test scene while the injury-plagued Mark Wood, who only managed 11 overs in this winter’s opening Ashes Test before being ruled out of the series, is yet to return from a knee injury.
With Brydon Carse also injured, Jofra Archer playing in the Indian Premier League, and Matthew Potts struggling during his Ashes outing in Sydney, Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue are the only two bowlers likely locked into the Test squad.
That leaves an opening for Robinson, whose desirable attributes include his height and tenacity, to return to the fold as England’s attack leader.
Essex’s Sam Cook – who earned one Test cap against Zimbabwe last summer – is also a strong contender while 23-year-old Hampshire quick Sonny Baker, who has been clocked at 92mph this season, could be a left-field selection.
Reflecting on his injury record, off-field issues, and relationship with McCullum and Stokes, Robinson added: “My mind is on cricket and nothing else. I’ve got the love for the game back.
“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 McCullum and Stokes] – I never have to be honest. A few things went on in India… 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.”
Add Comment