England dealt fresh bowling blow as Ollie Robinson ruled out of second New Zealand Test

Robinson, who enjoyed a dream return to the Test side at Lord's by claiming career-best match figures of 7 for 77, reported soreness in his right knee after a training session at Hove on Friday. The seamer underwent further assessment over the weekend and England have opted against risking him in the second Test, although there is hope he could return for the series finale at Trent Bridge later this month.

The injury compounds a growing selection headache for England, who are already without Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson after both players were stood down following breaches of the team's curfew policy. Atkinson was one of England's standout performers in the opening Test victory, combining with Robinson to take 14 of New Zealand's 20 wickets.

With three key bowlers unavailable, England have drafted uncapped Sussex seamer Henry Crocombe into the squad as cover. The 21-year-old has impressed this season, taking 21 Division One wickets at an average of 28.61, while also featuring prominently for the England Lions.

Crocombe's inclusion adds another inexperienced option to a pace group that is expected to be led by Jofra Archer, who is set for his first red-ball appearance since returning from IPL commitments. Matthew Fisher and Sonny Baker are also in contention as England consider how best to reshape their attack.

The disruption has left stand-in captain Joe Root facing the prospect of leading a significantly altered side despite England taking a 1-0 lead in the series. Brendon McCullum's selection decisions will be influenced not only by Robinson's absence but also by concerns over batting depth, with Stokes' all-round contribution impossible to replace directly.

England could opt for an extra specialist batter, bringing James Rew or Jordan Cox into the XI. Cox strengthened his case over the weekend with a double century for Essex, while Rew has remained firmly in England's thinking after recent squad involvement. Rehan Ahmed is another option should England decide they need a second spin-bowling threat alongside Shoaib Bashir.

For Robinson, the latest setback is an unwelcome reminder of the fitness issues that have disrupted his international career. His previous Test appearance, during England's tour of India in early 2024, was curtailed by a back injury, and concerns over his durability have frequently followed him throughout his time in the national side.

Despite that, England remain optimistic the knee issue is not serious and hope Robinson can return for the third Test beginning on June 25.

Meanwhile, Stokes could feature for Durham in the County Championship this week. Durham head coach Ryan Campbell said he was still awaiting confirmation from the ECB but believes there is a strong chance the England captain will be available.

"With Stokes, we still don't know for sure until we get told by England, but I'm thinking it's 75 per cent he'll be playing," Campbell said.

England will now attempt to secure the series at The Oval with a reshuffled bowling attack and several selection calls still to be finalised.