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England's preparations for the second Test against New Zealand have suffered another setback, with fast bowler Ollie Robinson emerging as a major injury concern ahead of the match at The Oval. Robinson is expected to undergo a knee scan after experiencing soreness following a training session, forcing England to call up uncapped Sussex pacer Henry Crocombe as cover.
The development comes at a difficult time for the hosts, who are already without captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson. Both players have been left out of the squad while the ECB and Cricket Regulator continue investigating the nightclub controversy that unfolded after England's victory in the first Test at Lord's.
With England already dealing with significant disruption off the field, Robinson's fitness concerns have added another headache for the team management just days before the second Test begins on June 17.
Ollie Robinson doubtful for second Test against New Zealand
England confirmed on Saturday that Henry Crocombe has been drafted into the Test squad as cover for Robinson, who reported knee soreness after training on Friday.
The Sussex quick is scheduled to undergo a precautionary scan, with England awaiting the results before making a final decision on his availability for the second Test.
Crocombe's call-up marks a significant moment in the young seamer's career. The uncapped pacer joins an England squad that has undergone multiple changes ahead of the New Zealand clash.
England's squad for the second Test includes Joe Root as captain alongside Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Henry Crocombe, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, James Rew, Ollie Robinson, Jamie Smith and Josh Tongue.
Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson out of second Test vs New Zealand
The latest injury concern follows the absence of Stokes and Atkinson, who were omitted from the squad following the nightclub incident that occurred after England's win at Lord's.
The controversy began after several England players spent Sunday evening at the White Horse pub in Parsons Green celebrating the victory. While a number of players returned to the team hotel before England's midnight curfew, Stokes and Atkinson continued their evening at the Rex Rooms nightclub in Chelsea.
According to reports, the incident involved Saracens academy player Totoa Auvaa and stemmed from confusion surrounding a reserved VIP seating area. The disagreement later escalated into a confrontation outside the venue.
Reports have stated that Auvaa allegedly attempted to punch Atkinson but instead struck England security liaison James Shaw, who required stitches. Neither Stokes nor Atkinson were injured, while police were not involved.
Although Stokes' role in the altercation itself has been described as peripheral, both he and Atkinson admitted to breaching England's curfew regulations.
Ben Stokes returns to training with Durham
Despite being unavailable for England selection, Stokes returned to training with Durham on Saturday, providing the first public sign that he remains focused on continuing his playing career.
The England captain was present at Chester-le-Street during the second day of Durham's County Championship match against Derbyshire. Stokes bowled in the middle before play and later spent time batting in the nets alongside Durham batting coach Dale Benkenstein.
His return to cricket activity comes amid speculation regarding his future following the nightclub controversy. Earlier reports suggested Stokes was considering stepping away from international cricket, although those claims have cooled considerably in recent days.
Importantly, neither Stokes nor Atkinson has been suspended from playing domestic cricket. As a result, both remain eligible to feature in the upcoming round of County Championship fixtures should they choose to do so.
