"Ollie Robinson has got unbelievable skills" - Ben Stokes' ultimate praise for the pacer
Published - 22 Feb 2024, 05:17 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:27 AM
England Test captain Ben Stokes praised pacer Ollie Robinson despite his absence from the first three Tests in the ongoing five-match series against India. Ben Stokes highlighted that Ollie Robinson possesses skills to excel in various conditions worldwide.
Ollie Robinson, one of England’s frontline pacers for the ongoing Test series, failed to make it into the XI in the first three matches. Robinson’s last appearance was in the third Ashes Test, where a back spasm forced him out after bowling just 11.2 overs in the first innings.
Ollie Robinson Has Worked Incredibly Hard – Ben Stokes
Ben Stokes commended Ollie Robinson’s dedication and hard work, highlighting his contributions off the field. The English skipper emphasized Ollie’s commitment to fitness and readiness for potential opportunities despite his absence from the first three Tests.
“I think he has worked incredibly hard while he has been out here. And it is tough for someone like Ollie, who’s played such a big part in the game over the last two years, where he has not taken part in a game and the stuff he has done away from the game itself has been very good,” Stokes said.
“I told him today he has been a great example of doing the right things and waiting your turn if it comes. Not playing the first three Tests can be tough and disappointing. But the way he has cracked on and got his fitness stuff in and not let disappointment get in the way of a potential chance that might come in this series,” he added.
Robinson impressed with a five-wicket haul in his debut Test against India in 2021. The right-arm pacer played in all matches during England’s Pakistan tour in late 2022. During the tour, he secured nine wickets across three matches on the flat pitches of Pakistan.
Ollie Robinson Has Got Unbelievable Skills – Ben Stokes
Ben Stokes emphasized Ollie Robinson’s exceptional bowling skills, highlighting his effectiveness in various conditions. Stokes mentioned Robinson’s ability to bowl multiple spells in the day.
“He’s got unbelievable skills to be a successful bowler anywhere in the world. What we’ve seen in England is he’s very skilful, but we’ve seen more than that in Pakistan. It’s similar but different here, but the skill he possesses, he can find any movement, and his release point is always going to be dangerous,” Stokes further stated.
“The skill will always be there. But since that chat [in 2022] he’s worked on everything I thought that would get the best out of him, but also the team. Having Ollie Robinson able to bowl three spells and back it up the next day is going to do any team the world of good.”
England have announced their playing XI for the upcoming match, making two changes to their lineup from the previous match. Ollie Robinson and young off-spinner Shoaib Bashir have replaced Rehan Ahmed and Mark Wood, respectively, in the playing XI.
The fourth Test between India and England will commence on Friday, February 23 at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi. Currently, the home team leads the series by a margin of 2-1.
