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Ollie Robinson Eyes Test Return After McCullum and Taylor Boost

Ollie Robinson has set his sights on a Test recall after receiving encouraging messages from England head coach Brendon McCullum and national selector James Taylor. The Sussex fast bowler revealed that McCullum texted him to say the door was still open, while Taylor praised his bowling rhythm. Robinson, who has taken 11 wickets in four County matches this season, feels more ready and settled than ever. He believes he has grown up since his last England stint and is focused solely on cricket.

Key Points: Ollie Robinson Targets England Test Recall

  • Ollie Robinson targets Test recall after positive feedback
  • McCullum texted that the door is still open
  • Taylor praised his rhythm and performances
  • Robinson feels more ready and settled now
3 min read

Ollie Robinson aims for test recall after encouraging feedback from McCullum and Taylor

Ollie Robinson aims for England Test recall after encouraging feedback from Brendon McCullum and James Taylor. The Sussex bowler feels ready for a comeback.

"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. - Ollie Robinson"

London, May 5

England fast bowler Ollie Robinson has set his sights on a Test recall following positive feedback from England head coach Brendon McCullum and national selector James Taylor.

Robinson, who has been in impressive form this domestic season in England, revealed that he received encouraging messages from both McCullum and Taylor, which have fueled his desire to push for a spot in the Test side.

Speaking to ESPN Cricinfo and quoted by the International Cricket Council (ICC), Robinson shared that he had received a text from McCullum at the start of the season, which provided him with a boost of 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," the speedster said.

Additionally, James Taylor, who has been working closely with Robinson, also gave him positive feedback after his recent performances. "Keysy (Key) rang me as well, to say 'take wickets, knock the door down' and there's still a spot for you," Robinson revealed.

"Keysy came down to the Warwickshire game at Hove and just texted me saying how well I bowled, how nice my rhythm looked. It was really nice to hear that from him," the right-arm pacer added.

Robinson also shared how these interactions have motivated him in the ongoing season. "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."

Robinson has 11 wickets from four County matches for Sussex this season and the 32-year-old scored his second first-class century in his most recent appearance against Surrey at The Oval in London.

The right-armer also suggested he was over any previous injury concerns and more settled off the field and ready 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."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Robinson is a decent bowler but England's pace attack is already strong with Anderson, Broad, and Wood. The door might be open but he'll need to be exceptional to get in. Good luck to him though!
R
Rahul R
Interesting that he says there were 'a few things went on in India' - I remember that 2024 tour, there was some tension between him and some Indian players. But he's clearly matured. Indian cricketers also learn from such experiences. The Ashes will be interesting if he makes the squad!
A
Aryan P
Scoring a century as a fast bowler is impressive! Our own Indian pacers like Shardul Thakur have shown how valuable batting contributions from bowlers can be. If Robinson can consistently perform with both bat and ball, England would be foolish to ignore him.
N
Naveen S
The mental aspect of comebacks is often overlooked. Robinson saying 'my mind is on cricket and nothing else' shows he's in the right headspace. Indian cricket has many examples of players who reset their priorities and came back stronger. Hope he does well if selected.
K
Kavya N
McCullum is known for giving players freedom and backing - that's why NZ cricket flourished under him. Robinson should grab this opportunity. Also, kudos to James Taylor for personally reaching out. In Indian domestic cricket, such mentor support is rare but extremely valuable.

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