Ollie Robinson revelled in a day to remember at Trent Bridge after taking his first Test five-wicket haul on day three against India.
Robinson, who dismissed Rohit Sharma the previous morning to begin the Indian demise, scythed through the visiting late middle order, dismissing both the dangerous Rishabh Pant and stubborn Ravindra Jadeja.
“I’m delighted to get my first five-fer,” he said.
“It will be a day to remember, it has been a proud moment for me and my family and, after the tough week at Lord’s, it’s one that I will cherish for a long time.
“It felt like a tough day with the weather, coming on and off the field, so it was nice to get the rewards for it, and good that India didn’t get too much of a lead.
“I know there is a long road ahead, but it was nice to get the rewards today.”
The seamer, whose other two victims were Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah, cut both an expressive and engaging figure in throwing himself into the heat of battle on West Bridgford’s hallowed turf.
The dismissal of Jadeja, who skied the ball to Stuart Broad, prompted a finger to the lips from the paceman after the all-rounder had unfurled his infamous sword celebration to mark his half-century.
“It is hard to replicate playing games of cricket,” he admitted.
“There are only so many overs you can bowl in the nets, but we all work hard on our fitness and we felt good.
“It [dialogue with Indian batsmen] was all friendly banter. We were trying to get them to come out of their bubble. They batted well, pretty defensive, and we were trying to get KL, especially, to play some shots against us to get him out. It was all good fun.”
Perhaps ironically with a winter Ashes series approaching, responding to the question of who he emulates in the game, Robinson spoke highly of two Australian quicks.
Time spent in the country playing grade cricket gave him the opportunity to peak in the trickbook of one in particular, who – all being well – may be in the opposing side in the coming months.
“Early in my career, I based myself on [Glenn] McGrath. Immaculate line and length in all conditions is something I have tried to emulate,” he said.
“Recently it has been [Josh] Hazlewood. I played with him in Australia, and spoke to him a lot about what he tries to do and what he thinks.
“They are two that have had a big impact and I have watched a lot of footage of them both and what they have done in different conditions.”
*****
Watch history unfold at Trent Bridge on August 19th when our historic venue hosts Royal London Cup Final.
Tickets can be found below.
