NEWS
Follow UsThe right-arm seamer from Sussex, Oliver Robinson wants to "get in New Zealand's faces" if he makes his much-awaited Test debut at Lord's on Wednesday (June 2). The 27-year-old is also confident that he can deal with Kane Williamson and Co. if given an opportunity.
In 2021 County Championship, Robinson has picked up 29 wickets in five encounters at an impressive average of 14.72. On top of that, he has also scored 229 runs in seven innings at an average of 38.16. England will be without Sam Curran, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes and Jofra Archer in the two-Test series against New Zealand and Robinson is expected to feature in the first match.
"I would say I am a wholehearted cricketer. As soon as I cross the white line there is a different edge to me which people might not have seen from county cricket. I will be getting in New Zealand's faces and trying to gee the boys up a bit. I can bring that extra edge hopefully. It's verbals but also body language - being up and about. I will be going fairly hard," he said.
"A few interviews I have done have called it white-line fever and that I am a changed character when I go on the field. It gives me that extra boost when I am able to go at players, bowl at better players and then go at them.
"I know Ross Taylor and Williamson fairly well from playing with them at Sussex and Yorkshire. That probably makes it a little bit easier. It may be harder on the first day, I may have a few nerves but (aggression) is my way of combatting that, taking my thought elsewhere and getting into the game."
Robinson might not be as quick as his injured Sussex team-mate Archer but feels he has all the ingredients to succeed at Test level. "I have to back my skill and ability in Test cricket. There are people who average 21 in Test cricket who bowl slower than I do.
"I will use all my attributes - my height, my skill - and I hope it will stand me in good stead. I feel like if I get my chance I am ready. I don't feel too nervous at the moment. I feel I should take to it fairly well. I have done a lot (of research) on New Zealand's top four. I have watched a lot of footage and been trying to work out how I am going to go about getting them out and setting them up.
"Williamson is the main one. It looks like swinging it away from him, pulling him across the crease and then using the nip-backer to get him lbw is a solid option. That will be plan A and if he gets a few more we've got a few plan Bs and Cs in the background. I would say research and my fitness are the two main areas I have improved on."