England have suffered an additional fitness blow to their pace attack ahead of the Oval Test against New Zealand, with seamer Ollie Robinson ruled out due to residual soreness in his proper knee.
Time could not be worse for the 32-year-old Robinson in that it comes right after he had fought his way back into the Test side having lost his place two years ago. He wasted little time in reminding everyone what he could do on his return against New Zealand, grabbing seven wickets in the match (including three with his first-over balls), showing those qualities that once had him as central to England’s attack.
Robinson’s latest setback also costs him a chance to answer durability questions at the highest level. His last Test, before this one, was in Ranchi in Feb. 2024 where he ended up bowling just 13 overs (none coming during the second innings of the match). Fitness issues have been a constant theme during his international career up until this point, and he will now have to wait a touch longer to pull off an encouraging comeback at Lord’s.
England ruled out Robinson being released and set their sights on getting the fast bowler back to face Pakistan at Trent Bridge for the third Test starting on June 25.
It is timing that could hardly be worse given that Robinson had hoped to have secured his place in England’s bowling unit following such an impressive return. He could have bolstered his case as one of the frontline seamers for upcoming assignments with a strong performance at The Oval.
England have made it clear that Robinson will stay with the squad and continue his rehabilitation under the supervision of their medical team, although he is not available for selection at next week’s Test. Management are confident the injury is not serious and have earmarked a possible involvement in the third Test which takes place at Trent Bridge, starting June 25.
Robinson’s absence represents another blow for England in their search for a consistent bowling line-up. The seam bowler will concentrate on restoring full fitness, also ensuring his impressive return season can get underway again as soon as possible.
