England pacer Ollie Robinson has revealed that encouraging messages from head coach Brendon McCullum and chief executive Rob Key have reignited his hopes of a return to England’s Test squad ahead of the domestic summer.
Robinson, who played 20 Tests for England between 2021 and 2024 and took 76 wickets at an impressive average of 22.92, slipped out of contention after recurring fitness concerns and a tense equation with the team management following England’s tour of India in 2024. The 32-year-old also lost his main 2024 contract in October.
However, the Sussex seamer now believes the door to an England comeback remains firmly open.
“I had a text from Baz at the start of the season to say the door was still open, which was nice,” Robinson told ESPN Cricinfo.
“Keysy also rang me to say ‘take the wickets, slam the door’ and there’s still room for you.
Robinson enjoyed a productive county campaign in 2025, taking 39 wickets at 24.74 in 10 matches for Sussex. He also got off to a steady start this summer, taking 11 wickets while contributing an unbeaten century in a remarkable partnership with Jack Carson against Surrey.
The right-arm speedster admitted he initially believed his England career was over before he received support from McCullum and Key.
“For me, at the start of the season when I took over as captain, I didn’t realize the door was still open. I thought it was closed. It’s definitely encouraged me this season,” he said.
Robinson also reflected on a difficult period when his relationship with England captain Ben Stokes came under scrutiny amid injuries and off-field distractions.
“My mind is on cricket and nothing else. I have my love for the game back,” said Robinson.
“I probably feel more prepared now than I did when I first got into the England team. And I’ve probably grown a bit since then as well.”
Despite speculation of tension in the dressing room during the India series, Robinson insisted that there was no lasting row with McCullum or Stokes.
“I don’t have any problems (with McCullum and Stokes) – I never have to be honest. A couple of things happened in India, I don’t know what they were really. We never really ironed anything out.”
“I think getting the message from Baz and the phone call from Keysa suggests that whatever it was, the door is open and you just have to get out and try to get back in.”
England are expected to announce their squad for the upcoming home Test series against the New Zealand national cricket team later this month, with the first Test scheduled to start on June 4. Robinson’s performances for Sussex are likely to keep him in the selectors’ conversation as England assess their bowling options ahead of a busy Test summer.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
05 May 2026 14:44 IST
