Robinson was recalled for Matt Pottswho has played all five Test matches this summer, averaging 28, before tomorrow’s second confrontation with South Africa at Old Trafford. He has had a tough year with his fitness being questioned by management and a string of layoffs due to Covid, dental issues and back spasms.
But Stokes was confident Robinson deserved his recall after an outstanding performance for the England Lions against South Africa earlier this month.
“We think what Ollie has to offer as a bowler is that he gets the most out of our attack,” Stokes said. “We think at Old Trafford it’s generally a bit faster wicket than other areas we play in and it offers a lot more bounce.
“Ollie became a very popular member of the group in a very short time after making his debut last summer. He fits right back into the group, even though he’s been out for a long time.
Ollie Robinson has been recalled to the English Test side to meet South Africa at Old Trafford
/ Getty Images“And he’s earned his call-up for the squad. Everything we’ve seen during the training days and how he’s been in the group is exactly what we want. I think we all know the quality of a bowler that he is because when he has played for England his skills are incredible.
“But look at the way he operated in the Lions game against South Africa, he brought some long spells, three and four spells in a day and also took wickets. So yes, I’m very excited that he can put on the England shirt again, and it’s something he’s worked really hard for and he fully deserves it.
“I think it’s obviously been a really tough time for Ollie because it wasn’t the fact that his form was letting him down, it was his body. Of course, that’s very hard to deal with if you want to do something, but the thing that has to work for you to do that, doesn’t.
“But I think he can look back on that and use it to gain experience. Because he’s here on the team and playing this week. So everything that’s happened in the past is something he’s clearly grown out of, and he has learned a lot about himself.
“Not just as a person, but also as a player. I kept in touch with him a lot throughout the period and just told him that every team he plays for is very lucky to have him because of what he owns as a bowler. So, like me said, I’m very excited. He deserves this very much. And I can’t wait for him to go out and show what it’s all about.”
Stokes said he had had “honest” talks with Robinson in recent months.
“I was very honest and sincere with Robbo,” he said. “I think that’s something people deserve. Rather than just having a conversation to get through it easily, I’d rather let him know exactly where I stand.
“It allows him to go away and work on what has been asked of him. All I can say is that he took it to the extreme. He’s been working hard behind the scenes, something that unfortunately probably won’t be reported.
“When you’re in the position we’re in as international cricketers and something goes wrong, it’s very easy to be brought out. But something that I have made a very firm point with the team is that remembering what we say to each other in the locker room is the most important thing. Let’s try not to let in outside noise and influence what we do.
“All the feedback Robbo has received from myself, the coach [Brendon McCullum], the people who helped him get to where he is today have been nothing but positive. He should listen to that.”
Stokes praised Matt Potts, who has been replaced on the team by Robinson
/ FATHERStokes also praised Potts for his outstanding performance in his first five tests.
“Obviously it’s very hard for Matty to miss but what he’s done in the five games he’s played is he’s taken himself away from a provincial cricketer with a lot of promise and really announced himself on the big screen. stage,” he said.
“And on top of that, we have to give him a lot of credit and approach the decision so professionally at such a young age… I think that’s a real indication of where we are as a team at the moment. The selection was based on what we thought was the best bowling attack for this particular terrain.
“He totally understood that, so for a 22 year old to understand the bigger picture of what we’re trying to achieve here and not throw his toys out of the pram was honestly something I don’t think should be overlooked.” .”