Kent’s Zak Crawley retains place in England squad for first two Tests against South Africa while Margate-born Ollie Robinson is recalled
Zak Crawley #ZakCrawley
Kent’s out-of-form Zak Crawley has retained his place in the England squad for the first two Tests against South Africa while a Kent-born bowler has been recalled.
Margate-born Ollie Robinson, 28, has not played a Test since the final match of the Ashes series in January but he comes in for fellow seamer Jamie Overton.
Kent’s Zak Crawley. Picture: Barry Goodwin
The only other change from the 14-man squad which pulled off a remarkable win against India at Edgbaston last month is the omission of Kent skipper Sam Billings, with Ben Foakes fit to return behind the stumps.
Sussex player Robinson is set to continue his comeback for England Lions against South Africa in a four-day match at The Spitfire Ground, Canterbury, next week, after which his fitness will be assessed ahead of the first Test.
Meanwhile Crawley, 24, is retained despite struggling to find form this summer.
For Kent, he has less than 400 runs across 16 County Championship innings in 2022.
ECB men’s performance director Mo Bobat said: “After an excellent start to the summer under [Test head coach] Brendon McCullum and [captain] Ben Stokes, we’re looking forward to an exciting Test series against a strong South Africa side.
Kent-born Ollie Robinson has been recalled. Picture: Adam Davy/PA Wire/PA Images
“The selectors have picked a squad for the first two Tests at Lord’s and Emirates Old Trafford with continuity in mind.
“It’s good to get Ollie Robinson back in the mix after his recent injury.
“He will continue his progress by playing for the Lions against South Africa in a four-day match at Canterbury next week.”
The first Test in the three-match series begins at Lord’s on Wednesday, August 17, before the second Test at Old Trafford eight days later.
The third Test will be played at the Kia Oval from Thursday, September 8.
England Lions’ game against South Africa will start next Thursday.
England’s squad: Ben Stokes (captain), James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Foakes, Jack Leach, Alex Lees, Craig Overton, Matthew Potts, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root.