England have suffered a significant setback ahead of the second Test against New Zealand, with pace spearhead Ollie Robinson being ruled out of the match
due to a knee problem. The second Test is scheduled to begin on June 17 at The Oval in London, with Joe Root set to take charge for the Three Lions.
Robinson had marked his return to the England Test setup in spectacular fashion during the opening Test of the series at Lord’s, producing a match-winning display with seven wickets and earning the Player of the Match award. However, the 32-year-old will now miss the crucial encounter after experiencing discomfort during training.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed earlier that Robinson would undergo scans after feeling “knee soreness” while training at Hove. Sussex pacer Henry Crocombe has subsequently been drafted into the squad as cover.
As reported by ESPNcricinfo, England’s management has decided against taking any risks with Robinson’s fitness for the second Test. While he remains with the squad and will continue to be monitored, there is optimism that he could recover in time for the third and final Test of the series at Trent Bridge in Nottingham, which gets underway on June 25.
Robinson’s absence adds to England’s growing selection concerns. The hosts are already without Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson, both of whom are unavailable due to disciplinary reasons. As a result, England will have to reshuffle their pace attack once again.
The Sussex seamer had led England’s bowling unit brilliantly at Lord’s on his comeback to Test cricket after more than two years away from the side. He finished with career-best match figures of 7/77, playing a key role in England’s victory.
Crocombe, who is yet to make his international debut, has impressed consistently in domestic cricket and with the England Lions. The right-arm pacer has claimed 21 wickets in Division One of the County Championship this season at an average of 28.61. He also registered figures of 4/65 in the Lions’ first unofficial Test against South Africa A earlier this month.
With Stokes, Atkinson, and now Robinson unavailable, England have already recalled Jofra Archer to their 15-man squad following his IPL commitments. Matthew Fisher and Sonny Baker are also among the seam-bowling options available in the dressing room.
Following another disappointing Ashes campaign in Australia, England opted to bring Robinson back into the fold for the New Zealand series. The team management had highlighted the work he put into improving his fitness and overall conditioning, while his appointment as Sussex’s red-ball captain also reflected his growing leadership role in county cricket.
Meanwhile, Ben Stokes could be set for a return to competitive action in county cricket. Durham head coach Ryan Campbell revealed that the club is awaiting final confirmation from the ECB regarding Stokes’ availability.
