(Video) Ollie Robinson a diamond in England’s substantial rough

Ollie Robinson was a bright spark in an otherwise downbeat morning on the second day of England’s first Test with India. Robinson bowled a wonderful spell of heavy, good-length balls, offering very few loose deliveries and putting India openers Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul under real pressure.

Robinson was eventually rewarded with the wicket of Sharma, bowling a rare short ball that the ‘hitman’ hooked straight down the throat of fine leg. England bowled OK on the Thursday morning with little reward, beating the bat on a number of occasions, but were frustrated by the temperament of the India pair and some stunning drives from KL Rahul.

The likes of James Anderson did come under some muted criticism for his relative lack of control as he sought to find his rhythm, but his usually impeccable standards perhaps better explain those comments. Robinson was the pick, having taken 1-19 off his 11.3 overs in the innings. His successful use of the bouncer, one of less than a handful employed in the session, will perhaps encourage England to occasionally drag it back as the day and Test match goes on.