Ollie Robinson sets sights on England Test recall after positive McCullum feedback
England pacer Ollie Robinson said encouraging messages from head coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key have revived his hopes of returning to England's Test side.
England pacer Ollie Robinson has revealed that encouraging messages from head coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key have reignited his hopes of returning to England’s Test side ahead of the home summer.
Robinson, who played 20 Tests for England between 2021 and 2024 and picked up 76 wickets at an impressive average of 22.92, had slipped out of contention after recurring fitness concerns and a strained equation with the team management following England’s tour of India in 2024. The 32-year-old also lost his central contract in October 2024.
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, just to say that the door was still open, which was nice,” Robinson told ESPN Cricinfo.
“Keysy rang me as well, to say ‘take wickets, knock the door down’ and there’s still a spot for you.”
Robinson enjoyed a productive county campaign in 2025, claiming 39 wickets at 24.74 in 10 matches for Sussex. He has also made a steady start this summer, taking 11 wickets while contributing an unbeaten century in a remarkable ninth-wicket partnership with Jack Carson against Surrey.
The right-arm quick admitted he initially believed his England career was over before receiving support from McCullum and Key.
“For me, at the start of the season when I took the captaincy on, I didn’t realise the door was still open. I thought it was closed. It’s definitely spurred me on this season,” he said.
Robinson also reflected on the difficult phase that saw his relationship with England captain Ben Stokes come under scrutiny amid injuries and off-field distractions.
“My mind is on cricket and nothing else. I’ve got the love for the game back,” Robinson said.
“I probably feel more ready now than I did when I first got into the England team. And I’ve probably grown up a bit since then as well.”
Despite speculation over tensions within the dressing room during the India series, Robinson insisted there was no lasting fallout with McCullum or Stokes.
“I have no issues [with McCullum and Stokes] - I never have to be honest. A few things went on in India I don’t know what they really were. We’ve never really ironed anything out.
“I think to get the message from Baz and the call from Keysy suggests, whatever it was, the door is open and just to perform and try and get back in.”
England are expected to announce their squad for the upcoming home Test series against New Zealand national cricket team later this month, with the first Test scheduled to begin on June 4. Robinson’s performances for Sussex are likely to keep him firmly in the selectors’ conversation as England assess their pace-bowling options ahead of a busy Test summer.
England pacer Ollie Robinson has revealed that encouraging messages from head coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key have reignited his hopes of returning to England’s Test side ahead of the home summer.
Robinson, who played 20 Tests for England between 2021 and 2024 and picked up 76 wickets at an impressive average of 22.92, had slipped out of contention after recurring fitness concerns and a strained equation with the team management following England’s tour of India in 2024. The 32-year-old also lost his central contract in October 2024.
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, just to say that the door was still open, which was nice,” Robinson told ESPN Cricinfo.
“Keysy rang me as well, to say ‘take wickets, knock the door down’ and there’s still a spot for you.”
Robinson enjoyed a productive county campaign in 2025, claiming 39 wickets at 24.74 in 10 matches for Sussex. He has also made a steady start this summer, taking 11 wickets while contributing an unbeaten century in a remarkable ninth-wicket partnership with Jack Carson against Surrey.
The right-arm quick admitted he initially believed his England career was over before receiving support from McCullum and Key.
“For me, at the start of the season when I took the captaincy on, I didn’t realise the door was still open. I thought it was closed. It’s definitely spurred me on this season,” he said.
Robinson also reflected on the difficult phase that saw his relationship with England captain Ben Stokes come under scrutiny amid injuries and off-field distractions.
“My mind is on cricket and nothing else. I’ve got the love for the game back,” Robinson said.
“I probably feel more ready now than I did when I first got into the England team. And I’ve probably grown up a bit since then as well.”
Despite speculation over tensions within the dressing room during the India series, Robinson insisted there was no lasting fallout with McCullum or Stokes.
“I have no issues [with McCullum and Stokes] - I never have to be honest. A few things went on in India I don’t know what they really were. We’ve never really ironed anything out.
“I think to get the message from Baz and the call from Keysy suggests, whatever it was, the door is open and just to perform and try and get back in.”
England are expected to announce their squad for the upcoming home Test series against New Zealand national cricket team later this month, with the first Test scheduled to begin on June 4. Robinson’s performances for Sussex are likely to keep him firmly in the selectors’ conversation as England assess their pace-bowling options ahead of a busy Test summer.
