England vs New Zealand: Ollie Robinson rediscovers ‘love of the game’ to fuel dream comeback

Robinson had an impressive bowling average of 22.92 when he was omitted from the England squad following the India tour in 2024.

However, concerns about both his fitness during spells and his attitude were deemed sufficient to outweigh his obvious ability as a new-ball bowler.

A 27-month absence from international cricket earned him a recall before he made a fine start to the county season after captaining Sussex.

“I don’t think I’m a different pitcher,” Robinson added. “I think I have worked hard over the last few months to almost get back to the bowler I want to be.

“I’m not quite there; there’s still a lot of hard work to be done and put in, but I don’t think my abilities have ever been in doubt, as people say. It’s more about conditioning and other things.”

“When I got the phone [Rob Key, managing director of England men’s cricket] and incoming text [head coach Brendon McCullum]I knew I had a lot of hard work to do.

“That’s what I’ve been trying to do for the last few months. And like I said, I’m by no means the finished article.

“But sessions like these there definitely make it all worthwhile.”

New Zealand would go on to score 61-6 on day two, still trailing England by 79, and the determined Robinson will be ready to lead the charge as the home side look to establish a healthy lead in the first innings.

“Stokesy said to me last week, ‘It’s great to have you back, but know there’s still a lot of hard work to be done,’ and that’s what’s constantly on my mind right now,” Robinson said.

“You play for these days. But as I said, I still have a lot of work to do and it’s great to be here again, wearing the England jersey.”