England fast bowler Ollie Robinson faces uncertainty ahead of the second Test against New Zealand at the Oval on Wednesday due to a knee injury sustained shortly after his return to international cricket. Robinson, 32, who took seven wickets in England’s victory at Lord’s last week, developed knee soreness following a training session on Saturday and is currently undergoing a precautionary scan, raising doubts about his availability for the upcoming match.

Robinson’s return to the England side marked his first appearance since February 2024, and his performance at Lord’s was instrumental in securing a 115-run win over New Zealand. He claimed three wickets in his opening over, earning him the Player of the Match accolade and reinforcing his reputation as a key strike bowler with 83 wickets in 21 Test matches. However, concerns about his fitness persist, as he has previously suffered from back spasms during Test matches, having left the field three times in such instances.

England’s bowling resources have been stretched heading into the second Test, further complicating their selection decisions. Fast bowlers Gus Atkinson and Ben Stokes are currently suspended after breaching the team’s midnight curfew, placing additional strain on the squad. Meanwhile, Jofra Archer, who was unavailable for the first Test due to limited match play in the recent Indian Premier League, has returned to the lineup.

To provide cover amid Robinson’s injury and the existing absences, uncapped seamer Henry Crocombe has been added to the squad. The 24-year-old has taken 21 wickets in seven matches for Sussex this season and impressed with figures of 4-65 for England Lions against South Africa A last month. Other seamers available for selection include Josh Tongue, Sonny Baker, and Matt Fisher.

An England Cricket Board statement confirmed Robinson’s condition, noting that the knee soreness was detected after training and that medical staff are treating the matter with caution. The team will await the scan results before finalizing their bowling attack for the Oval Test, with Robinson's fitness likely to be a significant factor in England’s plans moving forward.