A ball cut in half was the solution to Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue’s novel problem. Courtesy of a helpful member of the Headingley ground staff, the two quicks shared the souvenir after each took five wickets on the opening day of England’s first Test against Pakistan, with the visitors bowled out for 171.
“You don’t really have too many halves of cricket balls, so it’ll be something that we never forget,” said Robinson, showing off his share in his post-match press conference as he reflected on his haul of five for 51, including a wicket with the first ball of the series.
England find themselves in a commanding position as they begin life again under Joe Root’s captaincy, closing day one on 112 for two.
For Robinson it marked his first Test since featuring against New Zealand at Lord’s, which was his comeback match after two years in exile.
A knee problem ruled him out of the second Test of that series, and he was left out at Trent Bridge for Ben Stokes’ final hurrah. England lost both matches, and the series.
“It was frustrating not to be able to play at the Oval,” said Robinson. “Just a bit of a freak training injury and then I was available for Trent Bridge but not selected, and I suppose that’s part of professional sport, isn’t it?
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“Since then I’ve just worked really hard on a bit more fitness and a bit more skill so it’s nice when it comes off on days like today. I probably learned a lot about myself when I was out of the team. At the moment I probably feel as good as I’ve ever felt.
“I’m probably not in as good a rhythm – and that sounds silly after [taking] wickets – but I’m probably not in as good a rhythm as I would like, having not played red-ball cricket since Lord’s. For me, the more I play, the better I tend to get. So as long as I can stay on the park and stay fit, hopefully I can get that rhythm.”
While Robinson and Tongue shared the wickets, the former was keen to big up England’s wider seam stocks, with Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson forming their quartet for this Test.
“The four guys that played today – it’s a really exciting time for English cricket. You’ve got a few other lads in the background that can also come in and do the same job. I can’t remember a time in English cricket where you’ve got seven, eight, fit fast bowlers to choose from for a series.”