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Uncapped Ollie Robinson named in England squad for second Test

Ben Stokes is the only name missing from last week's three-wicket victory at Emirates Old Trafford.

Uncapped Sussex seamer Ollie Robinson has been included in England’s 14-man squad for the second Test against Pakistan.

The 26-year-old had been training with the squad during the West Indies series and took eight Hampshire wickets in his subsequent appearance in the Bob Willis Trophy.

Whether or not Robinson comes into contention for a first international appearance at the Ageas Bowl could depend on how the remainder of England’s seam attack shape up after a congested summer of Test cricket.

Ben Stokes is the only name missing from last week’s three-wicket victory at Emirates Old Trafford as he prepares to return to New Zealand for family reasons.

Robinson has been outstanding in the domestic game in recent seasons – the most prolific of all pace bowlers with 137 wickets across the 2018 and 2019 campaigns.

He was equally impressive on the less forgiving Australian pitches during a successful England Lions trip over the winter and took two wickets in the intra-squad match between Team Stokes and Team Buttler in Southampton at the start of last month.

England will assess the fitness of Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes, both on fine form but with three Test appearances in less than four weeks under their belts, as well as the likes of Jofra Archer and Mark Wood before deciding on the make-up of their attack.

Joe Root is set to keep faith with James Anderson this week.
Joe Root is set to keep faith with James Anderson this week (Jason O’Brien/PA)

One man who has been given the nod is record wicket-taker James Anderson.

The 38-year-old came out to scotch suggestions he was contemplating retirement after a moderate showing at his home ground last time out and asked to be given the chance to put it right at the first attempt.

“Jimmy is likely to play, yes. Wouldn’t you give him the opportunity with nearly 600 wickets?” Root asked rhetorically.

James Anderson struggled at Old Trafford
James Anderson struggled at Old Trafford (Dan Mullan/PA)

“To get that stuff off his chest and talked about has definitely helped him. With Jimmy it won’t be long before he’s right back at the peak of his powers and I’m very much looking forward to him performing this week. I don’t think it will be long before he’s got another five-for beside his name.”

Wood, who has not featured since the first Test of the summer, was thought to have a good chance of rejoining the attack but Root suggested a minor fitness concern had arisen.

“Woody’s had a little bit of a knock, I think probably the best way to describe it,” he said.

“I think most important is to make sure he’s absolutely 100 per cent ready to go if he’s going to play. He’s bowled with high pace today in practice and seems in a very good place so certainly in contention for this week.”

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