England fast bowler Ollie Robinson is a doubt for the second Test against New Zealand due to a knee injury. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Saturday that the pace bowler experienced soreness after a training session on Friday and is set to undergo a precautionary scan.
Robinson delivered a player of the match performance in the first Test at Lord's, taking seven wickets including five in the first innings to guide England to a 115-run win against the Black Caps. His impressive display marked a significant comeback for the Sussex seamer, who has only just returned to the England fold after being overlooked since 2024.
Robinson has played 22 Tests for England since making his debut in 2021, and his fitness has been a concern in the past. However, he appeared to be back to his very best prior to his latest injury setback. If Robinson is ruled out, it will be a major blow for the England team, which is already without regular captain Ben Stokes and bowler Gus Atkinson, who have been left out of the second Test squad following an investigation into an incident at a London nightclub.
Jofra Archer and Jordan Cox have been named as their replacements in the squad, while uncapped bowler Henry Crocombe has been called up as cover for Robinson. The second Test is set to commence on Wednesday at The Oval, and England will hope that Robinson's injury is not too serious.
Robinson's impressive performance in the first Test saw him dismiss Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, and Rachin Ravindra in the space of four balls, leaving New Zealand 2-3 in their first innings. The Black Caps were unable to force their way back into the match after that point, and England will be hoping to build on this momentum in the second Test.