Portugal Colonial - Key urges 'world-class' bowler Robinson to make England recall count

The 32-year-old Robinson has a superb record in five-day cricket, with 76 wickets at a miserly average of 22.92 in just 20 appearances.

The Sussex bowler, however, has not played for England since February 2024 because of concerns over his fitness and ability to maintain his top speed over long spells.

But England need a new-ball spearhead at Lord's following the retirements of James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes and the absence of express quick Jofra Archer.

Archer is unavailable for the first Test, which starts in London on June 4, due to Indian Premier League commitments, meaning Robinson could find himself leading England's attack.

"I think I said when we left him out the last time, to him and publicly, that Ollie Robinson, when he's fit and bowling at a decent pace for him, which is around 82, 83 miles per hour, he is world-class," said Key.

"When you look at his record, he is one of the few bowlers right up there statistically in all the bowlers globally of all time," he added Wednesday after announcing England's squad for the first Test at Lord's.

Key, a former England batsman, said Robinson, now the Sussex captain, had been monitored closely and appeared to be firing on all cylinders.

"Ollie has started the summer really well, and even the other day he said, 'what do I need to do?'", said Key.

"First of all, you need to show that you can maintain your skill, your speed throughout the game. That's what we require, and that's what he's done."

Key said the absence of the injury-prone Archer due to his commitments with the Rajasthan Royals, was a sign of the times, with players juggling commitments across the globe.

"When Jofra comes back from the IPL and touch wood has played some cricket going into it, then he adds to an already strong attack," he said.

The New Zealand series opener will be England's first Test match since an embarrassing 4-1 Ashes defeat.

England, who remain under the leadership of captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, a former New Zealand captain, were heavily criticised for an overly aggressive approach in Australia.

They have hinted at a more balanced approach to Test cricket ahead of the upcoming three-match series, acknowledging the need to be less gung-ho in certain situations.

Key said he wanted Emilio Gay, set to make his Test debut at Lord's in place of dropped opener Zak Crawley, and England's record run-scorer Joe Root to stay true to themselves.

"What we want is to have players to be able to go out there and play their best game," said Key. "It doesn't mean there's one way of playing where you're looking to play shots."

The second Test takes place at the Oval from June 17, while the third and final match starts at Trent Bridge on June 25.

R.J.Fidalgo--PC