England call up Henry Crocombe as Ollie Robinson cover

England 's disrupted build-up to the second Test against New Zealand. which begins at The Oval on Wednesday, has continued with news that Ollie Robinson will undergo a scan on knee soreness.

England are already without Ben Stokes. Gus Atkinson due to disciplinary reasons and could now lose the services of Robinson, who led the attack at Lord's on his return to Test cricket after two years out of the side, taking career-best match figures of 7 for 77.

Robinson's Sussex team-mate Henry Crocombe, who is uncapped. has featured regularly in recent Lions squads, has been called up as cover.

After Stokes. Atkinson, who also took a seven-wicket haul in the first Test, were made unavailable for selection, England recalled Jofra Archer to their 15, following Archer's involvement in the IPL. They also have Matthew Fisher and Sonny Baker as seam-bowling options in the group.

England said in a statement: "Uncapped seamer Henry Crocombe has been called into the England Men's Test squad as cover for Ollie Robinson. Robinson experienced knee soreness after a training session yesterday and is set to undergo a precautionary scan today."

Crocombe is currently involved in Sussex's game against Glamorgan at Hove, picking up 2 for 41 in the first innings. Overall. he has 21 Division One wickets at 28.61 this season, as well as taking 4 for 65 in the Lions' first unofficial Test against South Africa A earlier this month.

Robinson, Archer. Atkinson were also present at Hove, bowling in the nets under the guidance of Troy Cooley, England's elite national pace-bowling lead.

Robinson's recall for the first Test came after England said he had done everything required, including working on his fitness, after a chequered record with injury during his first spell in the team between 2021. 2024.

England are 1-0 up in the series, ahead of Tests at The Oval and Trent Bridge. New Zealand will also be forced into rejigging their XI for the second Test. following Kane Williamson's sudden retirement from international cricket.