Ollie Robinson is back in the England Test squad
(Picture: Getty Images)Ollie Robinson has been recalled to the England Test squad for the first time this summer ahead of the three-match series against South Africa.
Robinson was the breakout star of last year’s home summer, but has not featured for England since the final match of the Ashes drubbing in Australia.
The Sussex seamer was publicly criticised by bowling coach Jon Lewis over his fitness during that series and then missed all three Tests of England’s West Indies tour because of back spasms.
Further issues with illness and injury have kept Robinson sidelined since May, but the 28-year-old made a superb return during Sussex’s County Championship victory over Nottinghamshire last week, dismissing the entire Notts top four in the first innings and then taking a second innings five-for.
England Test squad to face South Africa
Ben Stokes (capt), James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Foakes (wkt), Jack Leach, Alex Lees, Craig Overton, Matthew Potts, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root.
He has now been named in a 14-man party for the opening two Tests of the series, the first of which starts at Lord’s on August 17, but will first continue his comeback for the Lions against South Africa at Canterbury next week.
Robinson replaces Jamie Overton, who made his debut in the Test against India last month, but was on Monday ruled out for up to six weeks after suffering hand and foot injuries while playing for Surrey.
