Ollie Robinson is due to undergo a knee scan and is doubtful whether he will be available for England’s second Test against New Zealand.
Robinson returned to England Test preparations for the first time in more than two years when he took seven wickets in the first Test at Lord’s, but is suffering from “knee pain” after Friday’s training session.
England called on uncapped seamer Henry Crocombe for a cover as they began the second Test at Kia Oval on Wednesday. Sky Sports live broadcast.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Robinson added his name to the history books when he took a five-wicket haul on the second day of the first England vs New Zealand Test.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
After winning the first Test at Lord’s, England captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum were full of praise for Robinson, who returned after taking seven wickets for the first time in two years for England.
The seamer’s absence represents a likely another blow to the England bowling attack, which is already without captain Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson. Both men were ruled out of the second Test after an altercation broke out with a Saracens rugby player after they were in a nightclub, breaking the England team’s new midnight curfew.
Robinson took 7-77 at Lord’s. This, along with Atkinson’s 7-39, means England will be missing two seamers who took 14 of their 20 wickets.
England’s pace attack is expected to be led by Josh Tongue, Matt Fisher and Sonny Baker, along with the returning Jofra Archer, who was doubtful after missing the first Test due to IPL obligations.
Who is Henry Crocombe?
Henry Crocombe took 21 wickets in Division 1 of the County Championship.
Crocombe, 24, has had an impressive season for Sussex in the County Championship, taking 21 wickets with a season-best figure of 9-69 in two innings against Leicestershire.
The fast bowler also drew praise from coach Brendon McCullum in response to a question about Archer’s availability for the three-Test series.
“There are a number of players who are progressing through the Lions and County systems that are on our radar,” McCullum said in a press conference after England’s win at Lord’s.
Jofra Archer missed the first Test against the Black Caps.
“There’s some exciting talent: (Henry) Crocombe, Nav Sharma, Eddie Jack. These guys are all in the system and identified.
“Now we need to improve their skills and make sure that when the opportunity arises in the next few years, they are ready to step in and perform. If you have a bunch of fast bowlers to call upon, this is a good place to be.”
Crocombe is a regular for the England Lions and took 1-23 in the third ODI against South Africa A last week.
England vs New Zealand – Results and Fixtures
In the UK and Ireland, all matches are always shown live on Sky Sports.
- First Test (Lord’s) – England won by 115 runs.
- Second test (Kia Oval) – June 17-21 (11 a.m.)
- Third Test (Trent Bridge) – June 25-29 (11 a.m.)
Watch the second Test of the England vs New Zealand series live on Sky Sports from 17 June. Haven’t you seen Sky?
