England’s pace bowler Ollie Robinson has delivered a remarkable string of performances this summer, setting new records while drawing both admiration and skepticism from former players. Robinson’s dominance has been a key factor in England’s success during the ongoing Test series, though some critics remain cautious about his long-term prospects.

Robinson’s latest figures include taking 21 wickets at an astonishing bowling average of 6.66 runs per wicket, the lowest ever recorded by an English bowler in a series of three or more matches played on home soil. His performance has placed him alongside some of cricket’s historical greats, surpassing many legendary bowlers from the early 20th century, including the renowned medium-fast bowler SF Barnes, who took 34 wickets at 8.29 runs apiece in a 1912 series against South Africa.

Friday’s play at Edgbaston highlighted Robinson’s continued effectiveness. Facing Pakistan’s second innings, new arrivals Saim Ayub and Azan Awais were quickly undone by a new-ball spell from Robinson and fellow paceman Jofra Archer. Ayub, who had not played first-class cricket for nearly a year and recently featured in the Caribbean Premier League, fell attempting an aggressive drive on the opening delivery. Shortly thereafter, Abdullah Shafique, who had struggled against Robinson in previous innings this series, also edged the bowler’s delivery to slip, resulting in a rare double-wicket maiden over.

Despite Robinson’s undeniable impact, some former England fast bowlers express reservations. Both Stuart Broad and Jimmy Anderson, seasoned campaigners with England’s bowling attack, have praised Robinson’s form but remain wary. They highlight the unanswered question of whether Robinson can maintain this level of effectiveness on less helpful pitches and against higher quality batting lineups, particularly when conditions do not favor seam bowling. Notably, Robinson has not been required to bowl more than 18 overs in any single innings this summer, with wickets falling rapidly before extended spells become necessary.

Robinson’s bowling style, reminiscent of 1980s medium-pace tactics with slips in catching positions and the keeper close to the stumps, recalls an older era of cricket. While his approach and some of his past attitudes have been described as a throwback, his current results speak to his skill and adaptability.

Robinson’s remarkable summer has captured the attention of fans and commentators alike, underscoring his role as a potent weapon in England’s bowling arsenal, even as some of the cricketing establishment remain cautious about his ability to sustain this success under different and potentially more challenging circumstances.