England’s decision to bring the wicketkeeper up to the stumps has helped unlock Ollie Robinson’s strengths as a Test bowler, following Australia’s effective use of the tactic during the Ashes.
Alex Carey used the approach successfully, and England have now adopted it with Robinson. With Jamie Smith standing up to the stumps, opposing batters cannot advance down the pitch as freely because of the increased risk of being stumped.
That allows Robinson to bowl a yard fuller, giving his deliveries more time to swing through the air. It also increases the chance of the ball hitting the stumps rather than bouncing over them from a shorter length.
Jamie Smith’s improved wicketkeeping
The tactic depends on having a reliable wicketkeeper, and Jamie Smith deserves significant credit. After struggling badly with his glovework during the Ashes, Smith has clearly improved.
Wicketkeeping coach Sarah Taylor has been working intensively with him before play, using a drill in which she strikes tennis balls towards him with a racket. The ball skids through while a batter stands in front, edging, missing or hitting it, forcing Smith to stay low and take the chances. The results speak for themselves.
Can Robinson succeed in South Africa?
The next challenge for Robinson is to reproduce this success on harder, flatter pitches and in hot conditions that will test his fitness. England will face those challenges during their three-Test series in South Africa this winter.
Robinson has often been left out of England Test teams on more batter-friendly pitches, but it is time for England to select him in those conditions. He has earned that opportunity.
England are also working behind the scenes to help Robinson maintain his pace at around 82mph, rather than starting at that speed before dropping to 77 or 78mph.
If he can sustain that pace, the additional bounce it generates should help offset any loss of movement.
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
