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England recall Ollie Robinson for second Test against South Africa after seven-month absence … but Zak Crawley RETAINS his place despite dismal form this summer as Brendon McCullum’s side aim to bounce back from innings defeat at Lord’s
- Ollie Robinson has been recalled to the England XI for Thursday’s second Test
- He replaces Matthew Potts in the only change from last week’s defeat at Lords
- Robinson hasn’t played for England for seven months after several fitness issues
- He broke onto the scene last summer and has 39 wickets in nine Test matches
- Zak Crawley has retained his place despite struggling for form this year
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Ollie Robinson has been recalled to the England attack for Thursday’s second Test against South Africa, replacing Matthew Potts for his first appearance in seven months.
The Sussex seamer has not featured for his country since the final game of the Ashes in January due to a series of fitness problems, but has been given the nod at Emirates Old Trafford.
Robinson persuaded the selectors he was ready to go with a strong showing in the England Lions victory over the tourists in Chelmsford earlier this month, with Robinson picking up match figures of five wickets for 105 runs.
Ollie Robinson has been recalled to the England side for the second test with South Africa
He hasn’t featured for seven months after struggling with fitness issues since the Ashes
Under pressure batsman Zak Crawley has retained his place despite his poor form this year
Durham seamer Potts drops out after struggling for rhythm in last week’s innings defeat at Lord’s.
Robinson burst onto the scene last summer and has 39 Test wickets at an average of 21.28
That is the only change to the XI, with openers Zak Crawley and Alex Lees retained despite lacking major runs, with Kent batsman Crawley averaging just 16.40 so far for England this summer.
Robinson broke onto the scene last summer and excelled against New Zealand and India, while he was arguably England’s finest bowler in their dismal Ashes series defeat.
In nine tests he has 39 wickets at an average of 21.28, although he has struggled with injury since the Ashes, mainly to do with back problems.
England’s bowling coach Jon Lewis also publicly questioned his professionalism and fitness after he limped off during the final Ashes test in Hobart.
England bowling coach publicly questioned the seam bowler’s fitness and professionalism
Brendon McCullum’s side are looking to bounce back after last week’s innings defeat at Lord’s
Along with serious dental work, contracting Covid and suffering with food poisoning, it is obvious that the seam bowler has had wretched luck with injuries and illnesses this year.
However, after returning to fitness for Sussex, he took nine wickets against Nottinghamshire in a County Championship game, which included the dismissals of England Test hopefuls Ben Duckett, Haseeb Hameed and Joe Clarke, before he excelled for the Lions with England head coach Brendon McCullum watching on.
And, after being recalled after his long hiatus, England will hope Robinson, who was named one of Wisden’s five cricketers of the year, will spur them on at Old Trafford as they look to bounce back from last week’s drab defeat in London.