Ollie Robinson celebrates Test return with career-best 5/39: Key stats
What's the story
Ollie Robinson's stunning five-wicket haul helped England take a commanding lead over New Zealand in the ongoing first Test at Lord's. The Kiwis were bowled out for just 113 runs in their first innings, giving England a lead of 27 runs. Robinson, who was playing his first Test since February 2024, took five wickets for just 39 runs. These are now his career-best figures.
Comeback story
Robinson's first-over fireworks
Robinson's return to the Test side was nothing short of spectacular. He took three wickets in his first over, as New Zealand were reeling at 61/6 at stumps on Day 1. Devon Conway was his first victim, trapped LBW on the third ball of the day. Kane Williamson followed soon after, edging an inside edge to short leg.
Wicket haul
A spell to remember
Robinson's brilliance continued as he dismissed Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell in quick succession. He bowled a perfect inswinger to Ravindra, who was trapped LBW on the last ball of the over. Mitchell was left stunned by an unplayable delivery that uprooted his off stump without him playing a shot. Notably, Robinson became the first bowler from his nation to take three wickets in his first over of an innings. The pacer completed his fifer by trapping Number 11 Matt Henry for a duck on Day 2 morning.
Match dynamics
Robinson was assisted by Atkinson, Tongue
Despite Robinson's heroics, England had a tough time with the bat, getting bowled out for just 140 runs. However, his performance with the ball ensured that the home team has a lead. Josh Tongue also played a vital role in England's bowling attack, taking three wickets for 40 runs. Gus Atkinson also dismissed a couple of batters (2/9).
Career
Here are his Test stats
Robinson fired 10.5 overs and returned with 5/39. He bowled three maidens. This was his fourth fifer in Tests and also his career-best figures. He also owns four hauls of four wickets. Robinson has now raced to 81 wickets from 21 Tests at a tremendous average of 21.98. 55 of his wickets have come in 11 home Tests at 19.12. He has not taken a Test fifer outside home. Against NZ, he now has 18 scalps from four Tests at 19.05 (5W: 1).