Ollie Robinson has admitted that he was “nowhere near ready” to feature in the Ashes despite making a stunning return to England colours at Lord’s.
The Sussex seamer struck three times in his first over and finished the opening day with figures of 4-10 having been recalled to the Test team for the series against New Zealand.
His performance naturally raised questions about what might have been had Robinson been utilised in Australia during a tough winter for England where their lack of new-ball accuracy was a persistent failing.
Robinson spent time in Sydney during the series and even bowled at Australia’s Steve Smith in the nets as the batter tuned up ahead of the first Test.
Having taken on the Sussex captaincy in the County Championship this season, though, Robinson believes it is only recently that he has found the mentality required to earn a recall after more than two years out of the picture.
“To be honest, I was nowhere near ready to play, nowhere near where I am now as a person or cricketer,” Robinson conceded when asked about the Ashes.
“It’s only been the last few months that I have got the enjoyment back for the game. The wickets there might have suited me but I wasn’t ready to play and there was a lot of hard work that still needed to be done for me to get back in.
“Ben Stokes texted me last week saying, ‘great to have you back, but the hard work is still to be done’. That’s what is constantly in my head at the moment. There is a lot of hard work to be done. These days make it all worthwhile, it’s what you play for.”
Robinson’s four were part of a wet and wild day of Test cricket that saw 16 wickets and the rain tumble. New Zealand will resume on Friday at 61-6, still 79 in arrears, on a tricky surface.
A remarkable return to England action pleased Robinson, who had feared his international career might be over after being axed following the tour to India at the start of 2024.
“It was just an incredible feeling to be out there and do that for the team. I was on cloud nine,” he said.
“My legs were numb and there was a point where I couldn’t hear anything. I was trying to calm myself down and focus on the moment. After the second wicket, that’s probably the loudest I’ve ever heard on a cricket field. The crowd were amazing.
“I had a lot of nerves yesterday, a lot nerves this morning, so to get out there and do that was pretty special. I still can’t really put it into words.”
