Ollie Robinson has revealed England head coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key have both been in contact with him this season about a potential return to the Test side.
Sussex captain Robinson last played for England in February 2024 — he had earned 20 caps and taken 76 wickets — and has not been selected since the 4-1 series defeat in India. He also lost his central contract with the ECB in October 2024.
Robinson’s form in the County Championship, and England’s struggles with the ball during their 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia, have raised the prospect of a recall ahead of the three-Test home series against New Zealand starting 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 missed England selection amid fitness issues, including repeated back spasms, and controversy over a series of podcasts produced with his wife Mia Baker — one episode from the 2024 India tour was removed at England management’s request. He says any issues with the 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.
“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.
“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.”
Robinson has not played for England since February 2024 and lost his central contract in October that year. Between 2021 and 2024 he took 76 wickets at an average of 22.92 in 20 Tests.
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