‘Ollie has talents to pass Test’
BY GARY FITZGERALD STUART BROAD is backing Ollie Robinson to make an explosive impact on his big return to the Test stage, and claims the troubled bowler can prove a real matchwinner.
Sussex speedster Robinson has been recalled to the England squad for the forthcoming Test series against South Africa with the first clash starting at Lord’s in 10 days’ time.
The 28-year-old is back in place of the injured Jamie Overton, having been out of favour since enduring his welldocumented fitness problems.
Fellow England seamer Broad (below) said: “It’s good to have him back.
“Ollie is an incredible bowler. He has all the attributes you need to be a top-class performer.
“He’s just had trouble with his fitness – he’s been having back spasms at the start of games.
“But there is such a big leap from county to Test cricket in terms of the intensity and expectation.
“You have to come back to your third spell with the same drive and pace that you did with your first.
“It can take different people different times to react and adjust to that.
“But he has everything you need to be a Test match fast bowler, and his record after just nine matches is sublime.
“His next move is making sure that he is available to bowl. If you are not available to be on the park you are not going to be able to take wickets.
“But he has the ability to win Test matches for England.”
Broad is confident England can continue their sensational summer five-day form as they attempt to make it five
Test wins in a row for the first time since 2018.
He said: “It’s been an incredible start to the summer. It is our job to entertain and do it again throughout August.”