England are expected to name their squad for the New Zealand series in mid-May, with the first Test starting on 4 June, and there will be plenty of attention on their bowling selections.
Last summer, Chris Woakes joined fellow recent retirees Stuart Broad and James Anderson in exiting the Test scene while the injury-plagued Mark Wood, who only managed 11 overs in this winter’s opening Ashes Test before being ruled out of the series, is yet to return from a knee injury.
With Brydon Carse also injured, Jofra Archer playing in the Indian Premier League, and Matthew Potts struggling during his Ashes outing in Sydney, Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue are the only two bowlers likely locked into the Test squad.
That leaves an opening for Robinson, whose desirable attributes include his height and tenacity, to return to the fold as England’s attack leader.
Essex’s Sam Cook – who earned one Test cap against Zimbabwe last summer – is also a strong contender while 23-year-old Hampshire quick Sonny Baker, who has been clocked at 92mph this season, could be a left-field selection.
Reflecting on his injury record, off-field issues, and relationship with McCullum and Stokes, Robinson added: “My mind is on cricket and nothing else. I’ve got the love for the game back.
“I probably feel more ready now than I did when I first got into the England team. And I’ve probably grown up a bit since then as well. Hopefully that all helps if I get the call.
“I have no issues [with McCullum and Stokes] – I never have to be honest. A few things went on in India… I don’t know what they really were. We’ve never really ironed anything out.
“I think to get the message from Baz and the call from Keysy suggests, whatever it was, the door is open and just to perform and try and get back in.”
