England coach Brendon McCullum has spoken about Ollie Robinson’s future after his poor performance with the ball in the Ranchi Test against India. He said the fast bowler is injured and all they need to do is make sure they get the best out of him.
England pacer Ollie Robinson has once again come under the firing line after his poor performance in the Ranchi Test. The fast bowler has had a tough last few months as he failed to deliver the ball. He was expected to live up to expectations on the India tour but that has not been the case so far.
Ollie Robinson did not get a chance in the first three games and was then drafted into the team for the fourth Test. However, he couldn’t set the stage on fire and was torrid with the ball. He had low pace and could not pick wickets either.
His poor performance in the first innings made things worse for him in the second test. Captain Ben Stokes did not allow him to bowl because he trusted his spinners. The fact that Ollie Robinson did not have a good start has put him under a lot of scrutiny.
Brendon McCullum admitted things didn’t work out for Ollie Robinson and the fast bowler is the most disappointed in the team. He also pointed out why the pacer had poor pace in the Ranchi Test. He said:
“Everything he did before the Test match suggested that we would see not just the Ollie Robinson we had seen before, but a better version of him. For one reason or another, it didn’t quite work out for him. Obviously not only is he as disappointed as everyone else, but he is the most disappointed of all.
“He actually hurt his back while batting, which is why in those initial two periods he lost rhythm. It is a tough game for him, without a doubt, and he is suffering a lot. We just have to make sure we find a way to get the best out of him.”
It’s never too far – Brendon McCullum on Jonny Bairstow
Jonny Bairstow will make his 100th Test match for England in Dharamsala. The batsman, however, has not played well in the series and is yet to make a half-century. In his special game, he would hope to turn things around and help his team win.
Brendon McCullum believes playing 100 Test matches will be emotional for Jonny Bairstow and noted that he looked in good touch in Ranchi. He explained:
“It will be very emotional for him. Everyone knows Jonny’s story. He’s quite an emotional character at times and big milestones like that mean a lot to him. [In this match] He walked taller, looked stronger, had that real Jonny Bairstow presence and swagger. When he has that, you feel like he is never too far away.”
The series between India and England remains 3-1 in favor of the hosts. The last match of the series will be played from March 7 in Dharamshala.