Last Updated on 12 seconds ago by Charbel Coorey
Ollie Robinson’s exclusion from England’s XI for the deciding 3rd Test against New Zealand has raised eyebrows. The seamer enjoyed a fruitful return to Test cricket at Lord’s earlier this month, taking three wickets in his first over and winning man of the match.
Why is Ollie Robinson not playing the 3rd Test at Trent Bridge? 3 key reasons
However, after Robinson missed the Oval Test due to a minor knee complaint, the management decided not to bring him back for the series finale at Trent Bridge. Here is a look at the three key reasons why.
1. England’s desire for more speed due to pitch conditions
As confirmed by coach Brendon McCullum, England opted for “airspeed” on what is expected to be a flat Trent Bridge pitch. The thinktank have handed the role of pace-bowling to Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, and Josh Tongue, with the latter two able to notch up speeds in excess of 140km/h.
2. Potential concerns over Robinson’s fitness
Before the Lord’s Test, captain Ben Stokes said the hard work is now for Robinson. “Skill-wise, I hope he’s the same bowler because he’s bloody good. That’s unquestionable,” Stokes said earlier this month.
“We’ve spoken to Ollie and he knows the reason he’s found himself back here is because he’s done what we’ve wanted from him. When he is operating at that level, he is world class. The Tests he’s played, his numbers are up there with the very best.”
According to reports, the England management may still be concerned over Robinson’s ability to come back spell after spell, especially in what will be a Test played in hot weather at Nottingham.
“The unspoken part is that, when it is hot and the pitch is flat, Robinson has not done enough to prove to the management that he is fit enough to stay the course, especially in the wake of the injury,” read Nick Hoult’s report in The Telegraph.
3. The need for a spinner
Temperatures will notch 38C throughout the match, increasing the likelihood that the pitch will wear out. That makes the spinner’s role crucial, with Shoaib Bashir in line to bowl his first ball in Test cricket since the five-match series against India last year.
This makes a spinner vital, although whether Bashir has the form to take advantage and help lead England to victory remains to be seen.
