Ollie Robinson hoping to revive England career as former star claims it's over for him

Ollie Robinson has not played for England since the tour of India earlier this year and has been told that his 'covenant of trust' with the management is 'almost irretrievably' broken

Ollie Robinson has expressed a strong desire to return to the England Test team, yet commentator Mark Butcher suggests the trust with management may have "almost irretrievably" broken down. Since making an impact in the summer of 2021, Robinson has claimed 76 scalps at an enviable average of 22.92 across 20 Tests for England.

However, his progress was cut short after a troubled Indian tour earlier this year, raising doubts about his fitness and seeing him excluded from the national team since February.

Despite a formidable County season, where he helped Sussex win Division Two with 39 wickets at 25.53 securing promotion, Robinson found no place in the England squad set to face Pakistan. His stellar performance during England's last visit to Pakistan was overlooked as well.

Robinson faced direct criticism from coach Brendon McCullum during the Indian tour for losing pace, clocking only mid-70mphs, and suffering from back spasms. His form was not the only issue, with tensions arising over the presence of his social media influencer girlfriend Mia Baker, who was seen as a distraction while on tour.

Former England batter Mark Butcher has weighed in on the situation with bowler Ollie Robinson, suggesting a rift with the team's management. Speaking to the Wisden Cricket Weekly podcast, Butcher said: "I don't think there's any denying his skill as a bowler, and I'm pretty sure that is not the reason why he's on the outside at the moment," adding, "I think there's been a breakdown in trust between him and the management. From what I've heard and what I think I know, the covenant of trust between those guys and the player has broken down almost irretrievably.", reports the Mirror.

"The management would lay the blame at his door firmly, he might have a riposte to that but that is basically it. There's no denying the numbers or the skill he has. But the England players are given quite a lot of leeway in terms of the trust they are given by management, and I think he's broken that once too many [times] for McCullum and [Ben] Stokes and therefore finds himself on the outer."

Meanwhile, Robinson remains hopeful about his future in the sport, despite the current challenges. He shared his ambitions on BBC Radio Sussex: "I'm really going to ramp up my fitness – my goal is to play Test cricket for England," and continued, "That's where my head's at at the minute – get as fit as possible, be ready for April when we return to Division One and put in good performances again. Try my best to get back in the team and that's all I can do really."

"The Ashes down under is something I've always wanted to win. From being a little kid to now, every morning I wake up and that's a goal of mine. That's what I've got inside me, that drive. And hopefully I can get back there next year."