Cricket legend Mark Taylor says the key to England salvaging what’s been a horror Test so far is Ashes debutant Ollie Robinson.
The tourists were rolled for 147 on Day 1 of the first match in Brisbane.
It was the worst possible start when Rory Burns was bowled around his legs by Mitchell Starc on the first ball of the series. Captain Joe Root also went for zero, while Jos Buttler top-scored with 39.
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A storm halted play and then bad light ultimately ended it, meaning Australia will begin its batting innings when players return on Day 2.
The Aussies have the chance to stamp their dominance with a big win at the Gabba.
But the man standing in their way will be one they’ve never played against before, according to Taylor.
“I haven’t seen much of Robinson, but what I saw of him against India is he’s a bit like a (Josh) Hazlewood – he’s a tall guy who bowls a good line and length at that off stump, has the ability to take it away a little bit in the air and back in off the seam,” Taylor told Wide World of Sports post-play.
“He could be a handful if he gets it right tomorrow.”
Taylor was shocked that England opted to leave both James Anderson – Test cricket’s most successful ever fast bowler – and Stuart Broad out of the XI for the opening match.
But he says Robinson and Chris Woakes have the opportunity to now prove they can win a Test for their country.
“I’ve always thought Woakes is a good cricketer, and a very handy bowler under conditions which will suit. And so is Ollie Robinson,” he said.
“But if England are going to give Australia a run for their money in this series they won’t be relying purely on Anderson and Broad, so tomorrow is an opportunity for Robinson and Woakes in particular, who should enjoy bowling on that pitch.
“The weather forecast is similar again tomorrow so we might find similar conditions, so it will be interesting to see how they go.
“They are good bowlers.”
Robinson has only played five Test matches but he has 28 wickets at an elite average of 19.60.
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