ENG vs NZ 2026: England bring in uncapped fast bowler as Ollie Robinson’s cover

England have included uncapped Sussex fast bowler Henry Crocombe as a cover for Ollie Robinson ahead of the second Test match against New Zealand, set to commence on Wednesday, June 17, at the Oval.

According to the official press release, the Player of the Match from the first Test at Lord’s experienced a sore knee after training on Friday and is set to undergo a precautionary scan on Saturday, June 13, to determine his availability for the game in South London. 

Crocombe has therefore earned his maiden international call-up to cover for his Sussex captain. The 24-year-old has secured his spot in the side thanks to his outstanding form for the Sharks in the County Championship. The right-arm pace bowler has taken 21 wickets in the tournament from seven matches. His best performance came against Leicestershire in the opening match of the new season, where he ended with a nine-wicket haul, including 5 for 33 in the first innings. 

Robinson’s injury piles more concerns over England ahead of the second Test match against New Zealand. The right-arm fast bowler returned to the Test setup after two years and instantly helped the Three Lions secure victory at the Home of Cricket after taking a five-wicket haul in the first innings.

However, his soreness adds to all the kerfuffle surrounding the side following Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson’s nightclub controversy, which was made public earlier this month. The pair were involved in a brawl along with a rugby player, which has seen them get the axe from the squad.

The absence of Stokes and Atkinson has seen both Jordan Cox and Jofra Archer make a comeback into the Test side, with Joe Root named interim captain. 

Despite being added to the squad, it is hard to see Crocombe make his international debut at the Oval. Archer is expected to return to the playing XI, replacing Atkinson and should Robinson not recover before Wednesday, one of Sonny Baker or Matt Fisher could find a spot in the team.