Ollie Robinson Returns for England at Lord’s, Taking Four wickets as New Zealand Struggles

Ollie Robinson returned to England’s Test side at Lord’s on Thursday 4 June 2026, taking four wickets for 10 runs as New Zealand ended day one on 61-6 after England were bowled out for 140.

“Ollie Robinson says his dream return to the England Test team has come after rediscovering his "love of the game" in recent months”

BBC

Robinson said he thought he would never play Test cricket for England again after he ended a two-year absence at Lord’s, adding, "I thought at Christmas time, I was never playing for England again."

BBC

On a rain-interrupted opening day, England’s reply followed Kyle Jamieson’s five-wicket haul, and by stumps New Zealand were trailing by 79.

Robinson’s comeback began with a first-over triple-wicket maiden that included dismissing Devon Conway for lbw, and he later trapped Rachin Ravindra for lbw to send the Lord’s crowd into delirium.

After England finished the first day in a strong position despite being bowled out for 140, Robinson told BBC Test Match Special, "I'm so speechless about how it's gone - I couldn't have dreamt up that day."

Robinson described the Lord’s reception as overwhelming, telling the BBC Test Match Special, "I couldn't really hear [the crowd]" before adding that after the second wicket it was "probably the loudest" noise he had ever heard on a cricket field.

ESPNcricinfo reported that Robinson said he had never heard a louder noise on a cricket field than the roar that greeted the second of his wickets, describing it as a looping inside-edge to short leg that sent Kane Williamson back for a second-ball duck.

Devdiscourse

Robinson also framed his return as the product of recent work, saying, "It's only probably been the last few months that I've got the enjoyment back for the game."

While the first day’s spell left fans wondering what might have been in the Ashes, Robinson insisted he was not ready, saying, "To be honest, I was nowhere near ready to play or anywhere near where I am now as a person and as a cricketer."

The Guardian likewise quoted Robinson on his mindset, including his line that "at Christmas time I thought I was never playing for England again" as England reduced New Zealand to 61 for six by stumps.

With New Zealand resuming on 61-6 on day two and still trailing England by 79, Robinson said he was ready to lead the charge as the hosts aimed to secure a healthy first-innings lead.

“✕ Live Scores Series Teams News Features Videos * Stats Close the sidebar News Ollie Robinson was 'nowhere near ready for Ashes' despite stunning comeback display Fast bowler shows what might have been with brilliant wobble-seam bowling on opening day at Lord's”

ESPNcricinfo

Robinson told the BBC that when England lost the toss and got stuck in, they were hoping to be batting all day, but he said the team came out "right on it from ball one" as they took the initiative with the ball.

He also said he did not think he was a different bowler, adding, "I don't think I'm a different bowler," while insisting he had put in work to get back to the bowler he wanted to be.

Sky Sports reported that Gus Atkinson (1-8) dismissed Tom Latham for lbw and Josh Tongue (1-22) added the final wicket of Tom Blundell, leaving New Zealand to close day one at 61-6.

Robinson’s return was also tied to the Ashes question, with Sky Sports noting that he said he was grateful for the backing from Baz [McCullum] and Stokesy [Stokes] and that Stokesy texted him: "Great to have you back, but just know the hard work is still to be done."