England's preparations for the second Test against New Zealand have suffered another setback as Ollie Robinson has been ruled out with soreness in his right knee. The 32-year-old's absence follows captain Ben Stokes and pace bowler Gus Atkinson being made unavailable for the contest at The Oval.
Missing the second Test is a huge personal blow for Robinson, who only made his comeback in the first Test after a two-year absence from international cricket. The seamer's return to the England team was marked by his impressive performance, taking seven wickets in the match, including three in his first over.
However, part of the Sussex man's exile from the England team was down to doubts from management over his fitness and ability to hold his pace in repeated spells over a long period. In being forced to sit out the Test at The Oval, Robinson must wait for another opportunity to prove he is durable enough for the international arena.
England said Robinson will remain with the squad and work towards a possible return in the third Test at Trent Bridge, beginning on 25 June. However, in losing another member of the XI that played in the first-Test win at Lord's, England will now make at least three changes to their side, and possibly as many as five.
The remaining make-up of England's team will come down to how they opt to replace all-rounder Stokes in the XI. One option would be to bring in a specialist batter, one of Jordan Cox or James Rew, leaving England with four frontline bowlers, probably all seamers. Alternatively, they could choose to bring in a leg-spinner, Rehan Ahmed, who could play in his first home Test and bat at number seven.