Ollie Robinson has revealed England head coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key have both been in contact with him this season regarding a potential return to the Test fold.
Sussex captain Robinson picked up his most recent cap over two years ago in February 2024 – having earned 20 to that point and taken 76 wickets – but he has not been selected since an ill-fated 4-1 series defeat in India.
In October 2024 the bowler then also lost his central contract with the ECB.
The 32-year-old’s form at County Championship level, coupled with England’s bowling performance during their 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia, appears to have paved the way for a potential recall, however, with England welcoming New Zealand for a three-Test series from June 4, live on Sky Sports.
“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 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 so far this season.”
Robinson has failed to play for England since February 2024, losing his central contract in October of that year
Fitness issues which caused repeated back spasms and a series of podcasts produced with wife Mia Baker appear to have been two big reasons for Robinson’s departure from the Test scene – one episode during the 2024 tour to India ended up being taken down at the request of the England management due to it’s behind-the-scenes nature.
Robinson says he is confident any issues with England management are now behind him.
“I was probably just exhausted emotionally, physically, from cricket and maybe not being fit enough for the Test arena,” he said. “I played for three years and I think the last year I probably only played a few games [six Tests between the start of 2023 and the end of February 2024]. I had two or three back spasms.
“I’ve probably learned a bit more about my body since then. Mentally I’m a lot clearer, with a lot less baggage and I think that does affect the body as well. I’ve trained harder and I probably feel more ready now than I did when I first got into the England team. I’ve probably grown up a bit since then as well. Hopefully that all helps if I get the call.
Robinson (left) took 76 wickets at an average of 22.92 in 20 Tests between 2021 and 2024
“I have no issues, I never have to be honest. I love Stokesy (captain Ben Stokes) as a guy, I really enjoyed Baz [McCullum] when I was playing. A few things went on in India…I don’t know what they really were. We’ve never really ironed anything out if there were big issues. 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. It’s just nice to know performances will get me back in rather than whatever else it may be.
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“My mind is on cricket and nothing else. I’ve got the love for the game back I would say. I fell out of love with it and it took me a while to get back to where I wanted to be. I just feel refreshed now, like I’ve got another chapter to give, and hopefully to England.”
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