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

When Robinson was dropped from the England squad following the tour of India in 2024, he boasted an impressive bowling average of 22.92.

However, concerns over both his fitness throughout spells and his attitude were deemed enough to outweigh his obvious talent as a new-ball bowler.

A 27-month absence from international cricket followed before his fine start to the county season, after taking on the responsibility of captaining Sussex, earned him a recall.

“I don’t think I’m a different bowler,” Robinson added. “I think I’ve put a lot of work over the last couple of months to get back to the bowler I almost want to be.

“I’m not quite there – there’s still a lot of hard work to do and put in, but I think like people have said my skills have never really been in doubt. It’s more the fitness and the other things.

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

“That’s what I’ve tried to do over the last few months. And like I said, I’m not the finished article by no means.

“But those sort of sessions there definitely make it all worthwhile.”

New Zealand will resume on 61-6 on day two, still trailing England by 79, with a determined Robinson ready to lead the charge as the hosts aim to secure a healthy first-innings lead.

“Stokesy said to me last week ‘great to have you back, but just know the hard work’s still to be done’, and that’s what’s constantly in my head at the moment,” Robinson said.

“These days are what you play for. But, like I said, I’ve still got a lot of work to do, and it’s just great to put the England shirt back on and be here.”