Ollie Robinson has revitalised his England career after being recalled in 2025, taking 16 wickets at an astonishing average of 7.18 in two Tests against Pakistan and earning player-of-the-match awards in both. His resurgence follows a period of being dropped in 2024 over fitness concerns, a stint playing grade cricket in Australia, and a renewed sense of responsibility as Sussex captain, according to his stepfather and Sussex head coach Paul Farbrace.
From grade cricket to player of the match
Last winter, Robinson and England were living separate lives on the same continent. While England's Bazball approach imploded across five Tests in Australia, Robinson played grade cricket for the University of Sydney, with no thoughts of returning to the national side. Eight months later, his fortunes reversed dramatically.
In his first Test back in June, Robinson took three wickets in his first over at Lord's—including a nipped-back lbw, a catch at short leg, and another lbw—finishing with seven wickets in the match and the player-of-the-match award. After missing the New Zealand Tests with a knee injury, he returned against Pakistan and continued his form, taking 16 wickets at 7.18 across two matches.
What changed: captaincy and a shift in England's approach
Farbrace attributes Robinson's revival to a combination of factors. "A lot of people ask what has changed, but I don't think he has changed enormously," Farbrace said. "Sometimes your stock goes up when you're not in the team. People suddenly decide you're better than they thought you were."
England's coaching change also played a role. Farbrace noted that under Brendon McCullum, there was little interaction with Robinson, but new coach Marcus North has been in touch to ask how to get the best out of him. "England decided they wanted bowlers over 85mph," Farbrace explained, "but the Ashes, with Alex Carey up to the stumps, proved that those who hit line and length consistently are always going to be difficult to play."
Captaincy and fitness: a turning point
Farbrace's decision to make Robinson Sussex captain at the start of the year proved shrewd. "We have got the best out of him by making him captain," Farbrace said. "He has reacted very well to the responsibility and he has a very good cricketing brain."
Farbrace set clear expectations: "I said to him: 'I don't want you going off the field. I want you to play every game, stay on the field for every ball. If you have to come off to change your boots, fair enough but I'm not having you coming off and sitting down in the dressing room.'" Robinson has since bowled in every game and stayed on the field, with people noticing his consistent availability.
Ashes redemption and the road ahead
Robinson's goal is clear: a spot in next summer's Ashes squad. "My advice to anyone with him is don't let him take his foot off the gas," Farbrace said. "Keep him on a reasonably tight leash and give him responsibility. They've talked to him about leading the attack, and he enjoys that. You only get so many chances and this is his chance to be involved with next summer's Ashes. The Ashes didn't go that well for him last time so he's got a point to prove."
Before the Ashes, Robinson faces another Test against Pakistan, then a tough winter with three Tests against South Africa and two against Bangladesh. There will be long spells of toil in the hot sun, presenting a chance for both England and Robinson to show how they've changed, while the bowler's skills remain the same.
