England receive Ashes fitness boost as star declares himself '100 per cent fit'

13 July 2023 , 17:04

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England's Ollie Robinson has declared himself fit for the rest of the Ashes series (Image: Getty Images)

England fast bowler Ollie Robinson has confirmed he is 100 per cent fit for the fourth Ashes test next Wednesday.

Robinson has been struggling with a number of injuries throughout the series and limped off with a back problem on the opening day of the third test at Headingley. Although Robinson managed to recover and play a huge role in England's three-wicket win, there were still fears about his fitness.

However, the 29-year-old has now revealed he is fit and available to face Australia at Old Trafford in six days time. Speaking to Wisden, Robinson said: "It was so frustrating to get that back spasm on day one. I was really looking forward to bowling on that Headingley pitch and it was coming out nicely, but these things happen.

"Normally when I’ve had back spasms before, they’ve built up and I would feel it coming on. Whereas this was on landing, it was just a sudden, quick stabbing feeling in the back.

"I told (Ben) Stokesy, and he said to get off and see the physio. I think we caught it earlier than I have done in the past. I had some acupuncture, a bit of treatment, and I was fine after that. I was available to bowl on the third day if I’d been needed.

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"The medical team said that’s it’s likely to have happened because I played back-to-back Test matches, and bowled 15 overs of bumpers at Lord’s. So sometimes these things come around, but then they go just as quickly as well. I’m 100 per cent fit for Manchester."

The third Ashes test proved to be another rollercoaster ride, but one England fans could finally enjoy to the max as their team came out on top. Ben Stokes' side rattled off their 251 target set with three wickets to spare to put the series back in the balance at 2-1 to Australia.

Ollie Robinson has confirmed himself fit for the fourth test (Getty Images)

Robinson added: "I think the Old Trafford wicket could be similar to Headingley, maybe a little bit drier. I think you might see that covering of grass again. Hopefully it’ll have a bit of carry – it tends to be drier there so it could spin a bit more later on, so Mo [Moeen Ali] will come into play again.

"I thought he had a great Test match for us, by the way. It should be a good cricket wicket there and I think you’ll see us play in much the same way again. We have to. We know what’s at stake.

"We’re all saying how exhausted we are but we’re all enjoying and loving it at the same time. I’ve got mates who have never really enjoyed cricket messaging me saying how good it is. It’s an amazing thing to be a part of. It makes me proud to be English to be honest, to see the impact it’s having on people, and seeing them loving what we’re doing. In the end that’s why we play the game. For the glory of it."

Kieran King