England’s preparations for Wednesday’s second Test against New Zealand at The Oval have taken another knock, with Ollie Robinson sent for a precautionary scan on a sore right knee and uncapped Sussex seamer Henry Crocombe summoned as cover.
“Uncapped seamer Henry Crocombe has been called into the England Men’s Test squad as cover for Ollie Robinson. Robinson experienced knee soreness after a training session yesterday and is set to undergo a precautionary scan today,” England said in a short statement on Saturday afternoon.
Robinson, fresh from career-best match figures of 7 for 77 at Lord’s, had been inked in to lead the attack again. Instead he spent the morning with the medical staff, while Crocombe packed up mid-match at Hove – he had just taken 2 for 41 against Glamorgan – and headed north.
Crocombe, 24, is no stranger to the set-up. He toured Sri Lanka with the Lions last winter and took 4 for 65 against South Africa A earlier this month. Those close to the camp insist the right-armer has “a knack of hitting the seam” and enough pace to trouble Test batters, though he remains very much a project.
The potential absence of Robinson leaves head coach Brendon McCullum juggling an attack already light on experience. Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson are unavailable after a breach of team protocol, and while Jofra Archer has been recalled following his IPL stint, he is still being eased back after elbow surgery. Matthew Fisher and teenager Sonny Baker complete the seam options in the 15-man squad.
Speaking before training, bowling consultant Troy Cooley admitted the management would not rush anyone. “You lose rhythm quickly, you gain it slowly,” he said. “If Ollie pulls up fine after the scan, great; if not, the next cab off the rank has to be ready.”
England lead the three-match series 1-0 but know momentum can shift quickly. New Zealand, coping with the shock retirement of Kane Williamson, are expected to shuffle their top order and may bring in the uncapped Finn Allen for extra aggression.
Former England captain Alastair Cook, now part of the BBC commentary team, put it simply: “Take Robinson out and England’s seam attack looks a lot greener. It’s an opportunity for someone, but also a reminder that depth on paper is not the same as experience on the park.”
Crocombe could yet remain on the sidelines if Robinson’s scan shows nothing sinister. Either way, the Sussex youngster has moved a step closer to a debut, and England have another selection puzzle to solve before the teams are named on Tuesday morning.
