Ollie Robinson hopes to become a worthy recipient of the baton when Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad finally call time on their careers after crediting the record-breaking pair for his rapid rise in international cricket.
Robinson once again showed his burgeoning skills away from home on the second day of the first Test against New Zealand at Bay Oval, figures of four for 54 from 19 overs representing the standout among England’s attack and seeing his Test bowling average drop back below 20.
Speaking after stumps, and asked about his removal of Daryl Mitchell for a 10-ball duck that saw the right-armer shoulder arms, the 29-year-old replied: “A big thing for me is my use of the crease, which I’ve learned from Jimmy and Broady. In county cricket you sort of run up and bowl from mid-crease – it’s quite generic – whereas in international cricket, the batters are that much better you have to be more on it: use the crease and use your skills.
“They’ve been very open and honest with me since I’ve come into the environment which has been amazing for me and hopefully I can be a worthy bearer of the baton if you like.”
Robinson was not the only player to heap praise on the pair after they drew level with Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne’s record 1,001 wickets in Tests played together. Tom Blundell, whose sparkling 138 kept New Zealand in the contest, admitted they were a factor in his own efforts with the bat.
“I’m sort of in awe,” Blundell said. “These guys are the greats of the game and they’re bowling at you, which is a cool experience. It’s something that really gets me into the fighting mode and takes me to the next level. It’s always nice when you’re facing the world’s best.”
Robinson added: “It’s pretty impressive isn’t it? There’s not really words to express how impressive it is but just to be on the field with them is a privilege for me and I’m enjoying every minute of it.”
