Sam Robson
The Middlesex man still has ambitions to play Test cricket
FOUR years after making his international debut, Middlesex’s Sam Robson still harbours strong ambitions of an England recall and believes he is playing better than ever.
During the recent debate about England’s top order for the Ashes, some commentators suggested that Robson, 28, who played seven Tests in 2014, was picked too early and could do a job for England this winter.
The Australian born opener averages 41 in the Championship this summer, with a highest score of 159 against Yorkshire, and feels his best years are still ahead.
“I loved my time in the Test side,” said Robson, who passed 8,000 career first-class runs in the Championship match against Hampshire at Uxbridge earlier this month. “I felt like I didn’t do enough at the time to hold my place, which was disappointing, but I certainly don’t look back on it as a failure. There were some positives to come away with, a Test hundred, a 50 and to be involved in a series win against India.
“I look back on it with fond memories, albeit I didn’t do quite enough, but I’d love to play for England again. I’ll always be striving to get back there.
“When I played Test cricket, I was young and I feel like I am a better player now. I’m playing as well as I have ever done. I hope to keep improving over the coming years as well. I feel like my best years are ahead of me.”
What does Robson credit for the way his game has developed? “You can pinpoint little technical things, but that’s probably secondary really.
“I think I’m more experienced; you play more, you get to know your game better. Mentally, you’ve been in those situations that maybe, when you’re younger, you’ve only been in once or twice and as you get on you’ve seen more, so you know how to deal with whatever it is, different bowlers, times when the side’s in trouble or whatever. So, I do think you keep developing.”
Robson has played for Middlesex since moving to London from New South Wales in 2008 and it’s clear the county holds a special place in his heart: “I love playing for Middlesex. I’ve been here for a fair while now and hopefully can be here for a few more years to come if I keep playing well.
“There have been a lot of special times over the years that I’ll never forget.”
Meanwhile, Robson is backing his teammate Dawid Malan to do well in Australia this winter: “He’s been a consistent player in county cricket for many years now. He’s at a good age and I think his best years are to come.
“This summer, he got a couple of crucial Test fifties and they were in difficult conditions with the ball seaming around. It was tough work, so I think he’ll do well. He’s got a good, sound game, he plays well off both feet, he pulls well, he cuts well, he’s a good driver.”