Ollie Robinson says England head coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key have both contacted him this season to indicate a route back into the Test side.
The Sussex captain last represented England in February 2024, finishing that spell with 20 Tests and 76 wickets, and he lost his ECB central contract in October 2024. Strong form in the County Championship, combined with England’s bowling difficulties during the 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia, have fuelled talk of a possible recall before the three-Test home series against New Zealand that starts on June 4.
Robinson revealed he received a message from McCullum early in the season saying the door remained open, and that Key phoned him with a clear message: take wickets and you will force your way back in. Key attended the Warwickshire game at Hove and sent Robinson praise for his rhythm and bowling that day.
When he accepted the Sussex captaincy, Robinson assumed his England prospects were closed; those contacts have changed his mindset and provided fresh motivation. He acknowledged the reasons he fell out of selection favour — a period of physical and emotional exhaustion, recurring back spasms and limited game time — and said he’s worked hard to address them.
Robinson also referenced the podcast controversy from the 2024 India tour, which included an episode removed at England management’s request, but he stressed any tensions are now behind him. He believes he has learned more about managing his body, is mentally clearer and has put in harder training, so he feels more prepared than at earlier stages of his England career.
On relations with the hierarchy, Robinson said there are no ongoing issues: he has positive memories of captains and coaches, and the recent contact from McCullum and Key suggests past matters will not stand in the way of selection. For him, the message is straightforward — perform and a place is attainable.
Robinson says his love for the game has returned and that he feels refreshed and ready for another chapter, hopeful that strong performances for Sussex will lead to an England recall. Between 2021 and 2024 he took 76 wickets at an average of 22.92 in 20 Tests.
England’s home summer begins with the three-Test series against New Zealand from June 4, broadcast live on Sky Sports and available to stream on NOW.