Ollie should do Bazball he can for this team
TUDOR BACKS BOTTLE OF ROBINSON
BY DAVID CHARLESWORTH
FORMER England seamer Alex Tudor says Ollie Robinson should have all the motivation he needs under the leadership of Ben Stokes and Brendon Mccullum to get back to firing on all cylinders.
Robinson’s fitness issues surfaced once more in Ranchi as a twinge in his troublesome back meant he was down on pace. He sent down just 13 wicketless overs in the fourth Test and was unused in India’s chase of 192 as the hosts went 3-1 ahead in the five-match series.
Despite an outstanding record of 76 wickets at an average of 22.92 in 20 outings, there is again scrutiny at whether Robinson’s body can withstand Test cricket.
His previous competitive appearance was seven months ago – when a back spasm shortened his involvement – and a seamer described as the heir apparent to Stuart Broad now seems at a crossroads in his career.
But Tudor hopes Robinson can rediscover his mojo and argued there is no greater incentive for him than the chance to play under the relaxed environment cultivated by captain Stokes and head coach Mccullum.
“His place is definitely up for debate, which you wouldn’t have said a year or so ago,” said Tudor.
“He’s a quality performer but he’s having a few issues with lasting a Test match. I’m sure he’ll want to sort this out because playing in and around this team, it’s what any cricketer would want.
“England are full of positivity under Ben Stokes, who backs his team to the hilt, the same with Brendon Mccullum (both left). The atmosphere that they’re creating... any sportsperson would want to be a part of that.
“Ollie Robinson is no different but it’s for him to get it sorted to get his body right and show everybody what he can do.”
Conditions for the fifth Test in Dharamsala, starting on Thursday, are expected to be wetter and cooler than those England have so far experienced on this tour.
There has been persistent rain and hail showers in recent days in the small city at the foothills of the Himalayas, although the weather is forecast to brighten up ahead of the Test.
Fast bowlers could therefore be called upon more at the HPCA Stadium, with James Anderson (left) expected to shrug off a minor thigh issue to play as he looks for two more wickets to take him to 700 in Tests.
“It will be another milestone in a glittering career,” Tudor said of the 41-year-old seamer. “I don’t think he would have ever dreamed of the haul of wickets he’d get when he first got into the team.
“It’s a milestone that I think no other seamer will get near to again.”