By Arjun 
Ollie Robinson, the fast bowler, is ruled out with soreness in his right knee leading up to England’s pivotal Test at the Oval against New Zealand, providing a further blow to an already weakened batting unit. The news comes just as the veteran seamer seemed to have turned his Test career back around with an outstanding recall to the national side.
His omission from the team last summer was notable for Robinson, who had been missing from Test cricket for almost two years until recently regaining a foothold in the England setup. Having waited patiently for his chance, the 32-year-old marked his return against New Zealand with an impressive display. He took seven wickets in the match, as if only to remind everyone of that ability to trouble batters with accurate pace, movement and non-stop discipline.
One of the memorable moments during the return was his three wickets in an opening spell that empowering a great game. On a day when the BBC was broadcasting highlights of otherwise pointless end-of-season ODI fixtures, it was precisely why Robinson had been viewed as an England pacer before; one way nice.
This latest injury problem, though, is yet another worrying indication that he might just not be able to stay fit for sustained periods of time. Durability questions have lingered with Robinson since his international career began. He had played his previous Test just a couple of months earlier, in Ranchi in February 2024, but could bowl only a handful of overs and didn’t even bowl in the second innings because he was unfit.
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His knee soreness is especially maddening, given the head of steam he established by pulling his way back into the team through a series of impressive displays and determination. The Oval Test absence is another stopping of the nails in his bid to rebuild himself as a fixture in England’s bowling attack.
Disappointment notwithstanding, there is optimism about his recovery. England have now confirmed Robinson, who may not play in the T20 World Cup if his injury persists, will stay with the squad rather than return home for treatment. His availability for the third Test, which is due to commence June 25 at Trent Bridge, remains to be seen but his condition will continue to be monitored by the team’s medical staff.
The latest is fitness hurdle for Robinson. His absence leaves England without a pace bowler who had only recently found some form at the top level.