England pacer Ollie Robinson created a new record as the bowler with the best Test bowling average among players with at least 20 matches in 112 years after England beat Pakistan by 194 runs at Lord’s on Sunday. The England pacer finished with match figures of 8 for 35 taking his career tally to 99 wickets from 23 Tests at 19.53 and going past Jasprit Bumrah’s 19.79. He won the Player of the Match Award for his outstanding performance and it was a memorable game for him. The Englishman was recalled this summer after more than two years away from the side and now has picked up 23 wickets at an average of 8.34 across three Tests. 

 

 

England set Pakistan a target of 389 after posting 290 in the second Test. Robinson picked up 4 for 11 in the first innings that had Pakistan bowled out for 110 in the first innings. On the fourth day he struck twice in four balls to leave them 7 for 2, then returned to remove Shan Masood and Mohammad Rizwan as Pakistan were bowled out for 194 despite Saud Shakeel’s 97. The win gave Joe Root’s side a 2-0 lead in the three-match series which is also their first multi-match Test triumph since late 2024. Robinson has been accurate and conditions have helped him a lot. He has made a new record and is currently the bowler with best Test bowling average for players who have played at least 20 matches.

Ollie Robinson’s eight-wicket haul seals England’s series win

Ollie Robinson put on a terrific performance at Lords in the second Test against Pakistan. He picked up 4 for 11 in the first innings and followed it up with 4 for 24 to seal England’s series win. The 32-year-old was relentless with his line and length and got plenty of movement. He trapped Azan Awais lbw, cleaned up Abdullah Shafique then broke the 97-run stand by dismissing Masood and Rizwan in successive overs. After being named player of the match for the third time this summer, Robinson spoke about his performance and the England bowling attack.

“The four-man attack we’ve got, I think it’s going to be very successful. My role doesn’t change, it allows me to be a bit more defensive if anything. I can just hold and be patient and not try to punch through the batters. Jofra and the other guys can then bowl rapid and break it up at the other end. It’s quite a nice pairing to open the bowling with, someone bowling that quickly and swinging the ball the other way from me. Long may it continue,” he said. 

England Captain Joe Root called Robinson “horrendous to face in these conditions” and praised the contrast in the seam unit. Robinson’s career average now sits at 19.53, the best by any bowler with 20 or more Tests since 1914. He has taken 16 wickets at under eight in this series alone. Robinson has also built a partnership with Archer and the duo have already picked up 24 of Pakistan’s 38 wickets. England have sealed the series 2-0 and the third Test will be played on 9 September.