Ollie Robinson is making no secret of his desire to pull on an England shirt once again, and the Sussex paceman has revealed he's been in direct contact with head coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key about a potential Test recall.

The 32-year-old seamer, who claimed an impressive 76 wickets at an average of just 22.92 across 20 Test appearances between June 2021 and February 2024, saw his international career stall amid persistent fitness concerns. Back spasms during the 2021-22 Ashes series against Australia and again against India two years later proved costly, and his relationship with McCullum and captain Ben Stokes soured following that latter tour. He ultimately lost his central contract in October 2024.

But a strong start to the 2025 domestic season has put Robinson firmly back in the conversation. He has taken 39 wickets at 24.74 in 10 Championship matches for Sussex, and this summer alone has claimed 11 scalps at 28.54 from 104 overs. He also reminded everyone of his batting ability by smashing an unbeaten century in a memorable ninth-wicket stand with Jack Carson against Surrey—his second first-class hundred.

"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."

Robinson admitted the encouragement came as a surprise. "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 are expected to name their squad for the upcoming New Zealand series in mid-May, with the first Test beginning on 4 June. The timing could be perfect for Robinson's return, as the bowling attack is facing something of a transition. Chris Woakes joined fellow recent retirees Stuart Broad and James Anderson in stepping away from Test cricket last summer, while Mark Wood—who managed just 11 overs in this winter's Ashes opener before being ruled out with injury—is still recovering from a knee problem. With Brydon Carse also sidelined and Jofra Archer focused on white-ball cricket, there's a genuine opportunity for a fit and firing Robinson to force his way back into the fold.

For a bowler who once touched 92mph and has the domestic numbers to back up his talent, the message from the England camp is clear: keep taking wickets, and the door remains wide open.