Ollie Robinson's impressive performance for Sussex in Division Two has seen him take 27 wickets at an average of 24.33, the third-most in the league. His efforts have helped Sussex climb to the top of the table after nine matches. However, Robinson was overlooked for the upcoming Test series against the West Indies.
Sussex head coach Paul Farbrace praised Robinson, calling him "outstanding" and noting that other bowlers selected ahead of him must be exceptionally skilled. Farbrace expressed surprise at Robinson's omission, especially given his impressive stats.
Uncapped seamers Dillon Pennington and Gus Atkinson, along with Chris Woakes, Matthew Potts, and James Anderson for the first Test, were included in Ben Stokes' squad. Robinson, who struggled with a back issue during the five-Test series in India, was not chosen.
Robinson has delivered the fifth-most overs among seamers in Division Two, showing his durability—a frequently questioned aspect of his game. Farbrace accentuated Robinson's disappointment, highlighting his excellent record when playing for England, with 76 Test wickets at an average of 22.92.
Farbrace noted that England wants Robinson to maintain consistency in his performances. He commended Robinson's recent form, describing his attitude and training as exemplary. Farbrace detailed Robinson's impact in a recent game, where he took four crucial wickets in the first innings and two vital wickets in the second, setting Sussex up for victory.
In the T20 Blast this season, Robinson has also excelled, contributing significantly to Sussex's success. Farbrace acknowledged the depth of talent in England's cricket setup and supported the selectors' decisions, stressing that Robinson's record speaks for itself. He expressed confidence that Robinson would remain motivated to regain his place in the national team.
Rob Key, managing director for England Men's cricket, expressed a desire to see Robinson perform at his best more consistently. Key acknowledged the competitive nature of selection and affirmed that Robinson is still considered a potential pick. He encouraged Robinson to continue proving his capabilities, especially given the high competition among England's bowlers.
Key stated that Robinson needs to demonstrate his top form more frequently and cautioned against complacency, highlighting the need to remain competitive in a crowded field of talented bowlers.