In a stunning move that's set to shake up Canberra's cricket scene, English fast bowler Ollie Robinson - once branded public enemy number one in Australia - has signed a shock short-term deal with Tuggeranong Valley Cricket Club.
From Ashes Villain to Canberra Import
The 31-year-old paceman, who played the last of his 20 Test matches in February 2024, will make his club debut against Eastlake at Chisholm Oval on Thursday afternoon as he positions himself for a potential Ashes recall.
Robinson became a polarising figure during the 2023 Ashes series after giving Australian opener Usman Khawaja a fiery send-off at Edgbaston. "We all want that theatre of the game, so I am here to provide it," Robinson declared at the time, showing the combative attitude that made him both feared and disliked by Australian fans.
Strategic Move for Ashes Campaign
The timing of Robinson's Canberra stint is particularly strategic. He's set to feature in a crucial Cricket ACT Twenty20 clash with Weston Creek Molonglo at Stirling Oval on November 27 - just two days before England face the Prime Minister's XI in a two-day pink ball fixture at Manuka Oval.
This creates the intriguing possibility that Australian selectors could consider picking Tuggeranong's new import for the PM's XI to play against the very team he's trying to break into, adding another layer of drama to the pre-Ashes preparations.
Robinson has already begun his Australian campaign in earnest, having bowled to Steve Smith and Sam Konstas during a NSW training session that also featured Australian bowling stars Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon.
Proven Performer Seeking Redemption
With 76 Test wickets at an impressive average of 22.92, Robinson brings genuine quality to the Canberra competition. His signing continues Tuggeranong's tradition of attracting international talent, following in the footsteps of Canberra export Jason Behrendorff who made several short-term returns to his home club.
While Robinson prepares for his grade cricket debut, England's Ashes squad is fine-tuning their preparations with an intra-squad game at Lilac Hill - their only pre-series warm-up match.
England haven't won a Test in Australia since the 2010-11 series, but batting coach Marcus Trescothick believes conditions might favour the tourists this summer. "The pitches have generally evolved a bit in Australia, but you still expect them to be quick and bouncy," Trescothick noted, suggesting such conditions could suit England's aggressive style of play.
The five-Test Ashes series begins in Perth on November 21, with Robinson hoping his performances in Canberra and Sydney University colours will force his way back into England's plans for what promises to be another fiercely contested battle for the urn.
