Ashes villain Ollie Robinson has ramped up his bid for an unlikely England Test recall by volunteering as a net bowler to Steve Smith and Sam Konstas at NSW training on Thursday at the SCG.
The paceman who famously gave Usman Khawaja a foul-mouthed send-off during the 2023 Ashes – and was branded “Australian public enemy No.1” at the time – has been spotted fraternising with the same players he went to battle against two years ago.
As revealed by this masthead, Robinson has signed a short-term deal to play Sydney premier cricket with powerhouse club Sydney University this summer. His first appearance is this Saturday against Western Suburbs at Sydney University Oval No.1.
The 31-year-old, who has taken 76 Test wickets at 22.92, arrived in Australia last week and has wasted no time preparing for his grade cricket stint.
Robinson has not played a Test since February 2024 but is keen to force his way back into England’s XI.
England seamer Ollie Robinson at NSW Blues training at the SCG on Thursday. Credit: Sitthixay Ditthavong
In photos that are sure to raise eyebrows in England’s camp ahead of the Ashes opener on November 21 in Perth, Robinson came off his full run wearing a fresh royal blue Sydney University training shirt given to him by the club.
The right-armer bowled alongside Australia’s Test quicks Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, who were being put through their paces. Australian spinner Nathan Lyon was also present.
In 2023, Robinson cheekily declared Australia had “three No.11s” in Lyon, Boland and Hazlewood.
Ollie Robinson and Usman Khawaja during the the 2023 Ashes. Credit: Getty
Robinson and several other net bowlers, including Pakistan international Usman Qadir, bowled for about 45 minutes to the likes of Smith, Konstas and Kurtis Patterson, who averages 144 in Test cricket from two matches.
Smith and Robinson were teammates at Sussex in 2023, and on Thursday the latter was seen in deep conversation with Blues coach Greg Shipperd. Robinson also spent time with Konstas after the session, a day after the 20-year-old was left out of Australia’s Test squad.
Robinson was contacted for comment.
One would imagine Robinson would not have been welcome at Queensland training alongside Khawaja given their history.
Sam Konstas and Ollie Robinson relaxing at NSW training on Thursday in Sydney. Credit: Sitthixay Ditthavong
After removing Khawaja for 141 at Edgbaston, Robinson sprinted down the pitch yelling: “F— off, you f—ing p—k.” Match referee Andy Pycroft took no action, while Robinson defended his actions.
“I don’t really care how it is perceived, to be honest,” he said. “It’s the Ashes, it’s professional sport. If you can’t handle that, what can you handle?”
Robinson, who got married last month, will remain in Australia until at least Christmas after falling out of favour with England selectors.
Steve Smith and Ollie Robinson at NSW Blues training ahead of Monday’s Sheffield Shield clash against Victoria. Credit: Sitthixay Ditthavong
England’s squad has assembled in Perth and will play a practice match next week.
Ricky Ponting has previously described Robinson as a “slow learner” while Matthew Hayden referred to him as “a forgettable cricketer” during a series where Australia retained the urn.
The Blues will field a full-strength side for round four of the Shield, with Smith, Starc, Hazlewood, Lyon and Sean Abbott all available to face Victoria.
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