England’s preparations for the second Test against New Zealand have been dealt a significant blow with the news that Ollie Robinson has been ruled out due to knee soreness.
The seamer, who made a stellar return to international cricket in the series opener, will miss the upcoming match at the Kia Oval.
Robinson was instrumental in England’s 115-run triumph at Lord’s, taking a triple-wicket maiden in the first over of his comeback and earning player of the match honours for his seven-wicket haul, which included a five-for in the first innings. However, he reported discomfort in his right knee following a training session on Friday.
Sussex team-mate Henry Crocombe was subsequently called up as injury cover, and England confirmed on Sunday evening that Robinson would not feature in the Test starting on Wednesday.
An England team spokesperson stated that Robinson will “remain with the squad and undergo rehab work on his knee” with the aim of being available for the third Test at Trent Bridge, which commences on 25 June.
The injury compounds a challenging period for the England camp, following the standing down of captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson for the second Test. The pair were disciplined after breaching a midnight team curfew in the early hours of last Monday.
They were celebrating England’s victory over the Black Caps at Lord’s and were present during a confrontation involving Saracens rugby union player Totoa Auvaa at a London nightclub.
Both the England and Wales Cricket Board and the independent Cricket Regulator are conducting separate investigations into the incident. Initial concerns that Stokes might resign as captain or retire from international duty have reportedly subsided.
Further complicating selection, Jordan Cox was withdrawn from Essex’s match against Leicestershire on Sunday to link up with England.
This move comes amid doubts over wicketkeeper Jamie Smith’s availability to face the Kiwis, as his partner is due to give birth to their second child in the coming days. Cox, who recently scored a stunning 204 for Essex, was poised for a Test debut last November before a broken thumb ruled him out.
Despite the call-up, England anticipate Smith will still feature against New Zealand.
Stokes’ absence for the second Test means at least one spot in the top seven is open, with Cox, Somerset wicketkeeper James Rew, and Leicestershire all-rounder Rehan Ahmed all vying for selection.
