Ollie Robinson Contacts McCullum and Key in Bid for England Test Recall

Bowler Ollie Robinson has been in contact with England head coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key as he seeks a recall to the Test side.

The 32-year-old earned 20 Test caps from June 2021 to February 2024. He took 76 wickets at an average of 22.92 but faced fitness concerns, including back spasms against Australia in 2021-22 and India two years later.

His relationship with McCullum and captain Ben Stokes soured after the India series. He lost his central contract in October 2024.

Robinson took 39 wickets at 24.74 in 10 matches for Sussex in 2025. This summer, he claimed 11 wickets at 28.54 from 104 overs. He also scored an unbeaten 100 in a ninth-wicket stand with Jack Carson against Surrey, his second first-class century.

"I had a text from Baz at the start of the season, just to say that the door was still open, which was nice," Robinson told ESPN Cricinfo.

"Keysy rang me as well, to say 'take wickets, knock the door down' and there's still a spot for you."

"Keysey came down to the Warwickshire game at Hove and just text me saying how well I bowled, how nice my rhythm looked. It was really nice to hear that from him."

"For me, at the start of the season when I took the captaincy on, I didn't realise the door was still open. I thought it was closed. It's definitely spurred me on this season."

England will name their squad for the New Zealand series in mid-May. The first Test starts on June 4, and bowling selections will draw close attention.

Last summer, Chris Woakes joined retirees Stuart Broad and James Anderson in leaving Test cricket. Mark Wood managed only 11 overs in the winter's opening Ashes Test before a knee injury sidelined him for the series. He has yet to return.

Brydon Carse is injured, Jofra Archer is playing in the Indian Premier League, and Matthew Potts struggled in his Ashes outing in Sydney. That leaves Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue as the only bowlers likely assured of Test spots.

Robinson's height and tenacity make him a candidate to lead the attack. Essex's Sam Cook, who has one Test cap against Zimbabwe last summer, is also in contention. Hampshire's 23-year-old Sonny Baker, clocked at 92 mph this season, represents another option.

Reflecting on his injuries, off-field issues, and ties with McCullum and Stokes, Robinson said: "My mind is on cricket and nothing else. I've got the love for the game back."

"I probably feel more ready now than I did when I first got into the England team. And I've probably grown up a bit since then as well. Hopefully that all helps if I get the call."

"I have no issues [with McCullum and Stokes] - I never have to be honest. A few things went on in India… I don't know what they really were. We've never really ironed anything out."

"I think to get the message from Baz and the call from Keysy suggests, whatever it was, the door is open and just to perform and try and get back in."