Ollie Robinson Delighted With Five-Wicket Haul on Stellar Test Comeback

After taking five wickets each on the first day of the Headingley Test, Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue walked off the field holding the match ball together. Instead of arguing over who would keep it, the two England pacers came up with the idea of cutting the ball in half so they could both have a piece.

England’s management agreed with the plan and sent the ball to the Headingley ground staff. It was then cut into two equal parts, giving Robinson and Tongue a share of the unusual cricket souvenir from their impressive bowling display.

"We were walking off and I was like, to Tonguey, I think we should split it. He said it and I said, I think we should do that, it'd be quite cool.” said Ollie Robinson at the end of the first day at Headingley.

“It's one of those things, you don't have too many half-of-cricket-balls, so it would be something we never forget. It's not very often two guys get five-for in the same innings, so a nice gesture and something to remember." added Ollie Robinson.

Talking about his return to the England Test team, Robinson said he is extremely happy to have this opportunity, as he has worked very hard for it.

"It was frustrating not to be able to play at The Oval, just a freak training injury. Then I was available at Trent Bridge but not selected and that's part of professional sport. I was ready to go but not selected and since then I've worked really hard on my fitness and a bit more skill, and it's nice when it comes off like today.” said Ollie Robinson.

"[I've] been working with the England medical team quite closely over the last five/six weeks, we've made some really good strides. Obviously not done still but feeling really good in myself and just got to keep going. It's about being really consistent and really level, not having too many ups and downs.” added Ollie Robinson.

For the unversed, Ollie Robinson played a key role for England on the opening day of the Headingley Test. He picked up a brilliant five-wicket haul to mark his return to international cricket, as Pakistan were bowled out for 171 in the first innings. Alongside Robinson, Josh Tongue also produced a superb bowling spell, taking 5/46 in 9.1 overs. The hosts then batted sensibly in the final session, scoring 112 for the loss of 2 wickets by the end of the day’s play.