Ollie Robinson has re-emerged as a serious contender for an England Test recall, with the Sussex seamer confirming he has been in direct contact with head coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key. The 32-year-old, who took 76 wickets at an impressive average of 22.92 across 20 Test appearances between June 2021 and February 2024, has been working hard to put past fitness concerns behind him.

Robinson's England journey has had its share of setbacks, including frustrating back spasms during the 2021-22 Ashes series and again against India two years later. His relationship with McCullum and captain Ben Stokes cooled after the India series, and he lost his central contract in October 2024. But the right-armer has been quietly rebuilding his case for a return.

This season, Robinson has taken 11 wickets at 28.54 from 104 overs for Sussex, adding to an impressive 39 wickets at 24.74 in 10 matches last year. He also showcased his all-round abilities by scoring an unbeaten century—his second in first-class cricket—as part of a memorable ninth-wicket stand with Jack Carson against Surrey.

"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."

The communication from England's management has clearly motivated the bowler. "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 added. "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."

With England expected to name their squad for the New Zealand series in mid-May—the first Test begins on 4 June—Robinson's timing could be perfect. The Test bowling attack has undergone significant change, with Chris Woakes joining Stuart Broad and James Anderson in recent retirement, while the injury-prone Mark Wood managed just 11 overs in this winter's opening Ashes Test before being ruled out. For a bowler who can consistently hit 92mph and has a proven record at the highest level, the opportunity to fill that void has never looked more realistic.