Robinson has missed six Tests during the home summer and has now been omitted from the upcoming tour to Pakistan
04 October, 2024
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PHOTO: AFP
Former England cricketer Mark Butcher has weighed in on the controversial exclusion of pacer Ollie Robinson from England's Test squad, citing a significant breach of trust between the player and the management. Robinson has missed six Tests during the home summer and has now been omitted from the upcoming tour to Pakistan.
The England squad is set to face Pakistan starting October 7 in Multan, and Robinson's absence has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. Butcher, speaking on the Wisden Cricket Weekly podcast, emphasized that while Robinson possesses the talent of a top bowler, the relationship with the management has deteriorated beyond repair.
"I don't think there's any denying his [Robinson's] skill as a bowler, and I'm pretty sure that is not the reason why he's on the outside at the moment. I think there's been a breakdown in trust between him and the management. From what I've heard and what I think I know, the covenant of trust between those guys and the player has broken down almost irretrievably,” Butcher said.
Butcher noted that the England management, including head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes, would likely place the blame for Robinson's exclusion firmly on the player's shoulders. He acknowledged that while Robinson's statistics and abilities are undeniable, the trust players are given by management is crucial and that Robinson has crossed a line too many times.
"The management would lay the blame at his door firmly, he might have a riposte to that but that is basically it. There are no denying the numbers or the skill he has. But the England players are given quite a lot of leeway in terms of the trust they are given by management, and I think he's broken that once too many for [Brendon] McCullum and [Ben] Stokes and therefore finds himself on the outer," he said.
Is is worth noting that the three-match re-ball format series between Pakistan and England is set to begin on October 7th in Multan. The national team aims to make a positive comeback following a disappointing 2-0 whitewash against Bangladesh.
England squad for Pakistan Test series: Ben Stokes (C), Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Jordan Cox, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Josh Hull, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes.
Pakistan, England Test series schedule:
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