Ollie Robinson: England bowler in contact with Brendon McCullum and Rob Key as he eyes Test recall

With England expected to name their squad for the New Zealand series in mid-May, with the first Test kicking off on June 4, attention is expected to be intense on bowling selections.

Last summer, Chris Woakes joined recently retired fellows Stuart Broad and James Anderson in exiting the Test scene, while the injury-hit Mark Wood, who managed just 11 overs in this winter’s opening Ashes Test before being ruled out of the series, is yet to return from a knee injury.

With Brydon Carse also injured, Jofra Archer playing in the Indian Premier League and Matthew Potts struggling during the Ashes trip to Sydney, Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue are probably the only two bowlers locked into the Test squad.

This leaves an opportunity for Robinson, whose desirable attributes include height and tenacity, to return to the pitch as England’s attacking leader.

Essex’s Sam Cook, who earned a Test cap against Zimbabwe last summer, is also a strong contender; And 23-year-old Hampshire speedster Sonny Baker, who has hit 92 mph this season, could be a left-field choice.

Reflecting on his injury history, off-field problems and his relationship with McCullum and Stokes, Robinson added: “My mind is on cricket, nothing else. “I’ve regained my love for the game.

“I probably feel more ready when I first got into the England team. And I’ve probably grown a bit since then. Hopefully all that will help if I get the call.”

“I have no problem [with McCullum and Stokes] – I never have to be honest. A few things happened in India… I don’t know what they actually were. We never really got anything done.

“I think getting the text from Baz and the call from Keysy, whatever it is, shows that the door is open and just to perform and try to get back in.”