After the Ollie Robinson and Usman Khawaja on-field incident during the first Ashes test, former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting was one of several former players to criticize the English bowler. Former batsman Matthew Hayden was particularly vocal as he said Robinson bowls harmless 124 Kph before the fast bowler picked up three wickets during the first innings of the second test at Lords.
He didn’t look dangerous at all- Ponting
After taking those three wickets, Robinson has now become the fast bowler to pick up the most wickets in this series so far, with his average and economical performance being lower than that of any other Australian pacer. But During an ICC interview with Sanjana Ganesan, Ponting stated that the statistics were marred by Robinson as he picked up lower-order wickets and, though he is skilled, lacks threats. The ex-cricketer said, “He didn’t look dangerous at all till now in the series. If you look at the wickets, he has only dismissed tailenders in every game. He got Labuschagne in this inning, but after this, he dismissed Lyon and Hazlewood.
He further said that Robinson is a very skillful bowler, and no one would have said anything about him if he had not provoked the whole incident that has been in controversy for the past few weeks. The former also feels that the whole thing has been blown completely out of whack. “He is a skilful bowler and his figures have been decent so far in the series”, he concluded.
James Anderson’s rough start in series continues
Ollie Robinson was one of the four fast bowlers named by England in their squad for the second test at Lord’s. Josh Tongue has replaced Moeen Ali, who injured his finger during the first test. James Anderson’s torrid start to the series continued as the veteran picked up 1/53 in the first innings, taking only two wickets in this series till now.
After the first test, the 40-year-old said conditions at Edgbaston didn’t favour him, and Ponting also believed that Anderson lacked a bit of rhythm because the ball wasn’t coming exactly the way he wanted.But the former also feels that there is definitely a chance for James to strike his magic again before the series is out. He said James Anderson is the champion of the game and will remain until he wants to uproot the stumps.
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