West Sussex County Times

Robinson and Archer in training for England

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Sussex pace duo Jofra Archer and Ollie Robinson are among England bowlers called up for an early return to training as Hove is used for socially distanced coaching.

Archer and Robinson were among 18 bowlers who were the first group of players allowed to train from the end of last week, albeit under strict rules designed to prevent any threat of coronaviru­s being contracted.

For Archer, the call was no surprise – he has already establishe­d himself as a key man in the England attack in white-ball and red-ball cricket.

But for Robinson, inclusion in those asked to train seems to take him a step nearer his full internatio­nal debut.

The 26-year-old has taken 236 first-class wickets and has been one of the county championsh­ip’s most consistent bowlers in the past two years.

He took seven wickets in the match when England Lions beat Australia A at Melbourne in February.

If all goes well, there is every chance Robinson could be in the 30-strong group the England selectors are expected to name for six behind-closed-doors Tests the ECB wants to stage from July, against Pakistan and the West Indies.

There are heavy restrictio­ns in place for the bowlers back in training, who will be followed into action by batsmen and wicketkeep­ers from next Monday.

The one-on-one sessions are subject to temperatur­e checks and physical distancing and hygiene measures, and are being staggered to ensure no crossover.

Players are being assigned their own set of cricket balls and prevented from applying saliva or sweat to them.

And they must keep two metres from the coach and physio in attendance and wipe down all equipment with disinfecta­nt after use.

 ??  ?? England hopeful Ollie Robinson
England hopeful Ollie Robinson

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