Two years ago he was a central—and at times controversial—figure in England’s bowling attack, taking ten wickets during the drawn 2023 Ashes series against Australia.
Now Ollie Robinson has seemingly switched camps and is helping the Aussie batsmen prepare to face his former teammates in the Ashes.
Despite declaring his hopes of an England Test recall, Robinson set tongues wagging when spotted in the SCG nets at NSW training bowling to the likes of Australian captain Steve Smith and Sam Konstas.
The tall right-armer has recently arrived in Australia where he will play grade cricket for Sydney University this summer, having fallen out of favour with England selectors since playing his most recent Test against India back in February 2024.
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In a 20-Test career Robinson has taken 76 wickets at an average of 22.92 and, at 31, is still younger than all but two members of the recently-announced Australian squad for the first Test in Perth.
Robinson will make his Sydney Uni debut this weekend against Western Suburbs.
While there has been no official comment about Robinson’s NSW involvement as the England squad continues to assemble in Perth, it’s safe to say eyebrows will have been raised.