Ollie Robinson's England exile over as three uncapped players called up for New Zealand Test

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ECB

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 13/05/2026

- 12:54

Updated: 13/05/2026

- 12:56

The Sussex star is back in the international fold

Ollie Robinson has completed a remarkable England comeback after being recalled to the Test squad for the first time in two years following his outstanding start to the county season.

The Sussex seamer is back in the fold for the first Test against New Zealand at Lord's on June 4, as England begin a new chapter after their disappointing Ashes campaign in Australia.


Robinson's return is one of the headline decisions in the first squad selected since England's 4-1 series defeat, with the management eager to inject fresh energy into a bowling attack that has undergone major change.

The 32-year-old has not represented his country since 2024, when fitness concerns and a series of back injuries saw him slip out of favour.

At his best, however, Robinson has been one of the most effective fast bowlers in the country.

He has claimed 76 wickets in only 20 Test appearances at an average below 23, statistics that underline why he was once viewed as the natural heir to James Anderson and Stuart Broad.

His performances for Sussex County Cricket Club this spring have convinced England that he is ready for another opportunity.

Ollie Robinson has completed a remarkable England comeback after being recalled to the Test squad for the first time in two years following his outstanding start to the county season

Ollie Robinson has completed a remarkable England comeback after being recalled to the Test squad for the first time in two years following his outstanding start to the county season

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GETTY

Robinson has taken 17 wickets in five County Championship matches and even scored a century against Surrey County Cricket Club, while also captaining Sussex to an encouraging start to the season.

England's selectors have also turned to youth.

Uncapped trio Emilio Gay, James Rew and Sonny Baker have all been included for the first time.

Ollie Robinson has been in sensational form for Sussex

Ollie Robinson has been in sensational form for Sussex

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GETTY

Gay appears the frontrunner to replace Zak Crawley, who has been dropped after a disappointing Ashes tour.

The Durham opener has forced his way into contention with three early-season centuries and could make his Test debut at the top of the order alongside Ben Duckett.

Rew, just 22, is widely regarded as one of the country's brightest batting prospects, while Hampshire fast bowler Baker has earned recognition after an impressive start to the campaign.

England have retained both Shoaib Bashir and Rehan Ahmed as they consider their spin options.

Another significant development is the appointment of Marcus North as national selector.

The former Australia international succeeds Luke Wright and becomes the first overseas figure to lead England's selection panel.

With Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum retaining the confidence of the England hierarchy, this squad offers the clearest indication yet of how they intend to rebuild.

For Robinson, it is an opportunity few expected him to receive again.

But after forcing his way back into contention through sheer weight of performance, the Sussex seamer now has the chance to re-establish himself as a key figure in England's Test future.

England squad for first Test against New Zealand: Ben Stokes, Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, James Rew, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue.