Robinson's rhythmical action reminiscent of McGrath - Agnew

Ollie Robinson's action has been compared with Glenn McGrath's, not because it looks mechanical, but because every part of it works with the same precise rhythm.

Alan Agnew, writing after Robinson's return to England's side, said he still regarded the seamer as the most natural bowler he had seen since Robinson's debut five years ago. Robinson has since been dropped, recalled and dropped again, but Agnew said his view had not changed.

The 32-year-old has taken 23 wickets in three matches this summer, helped by conditions that have suited swing and seam bowling. Agnew said Robinson had made the most of them, producing movement into and away from batsmen and off the seam without appearing to search for wickets.

Agnew also praised Robinson's tactical awareness. He said the bowler could identify a batsman's weakness and quickly turn it into a plan, adding that a coach had recalled Robinson giving teammates advice on how to dismiss batsmen early in his career.

Robinson's performances have revived criticism of his omission from England's Ashes squad last winter. Agnew referred to tensions around Robinson's relationship with Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum's regime, which had favored faster bowlers, while also noting Robinson's past fitness problems and saying he had not always been handled kindly.

England have also adopted a tactic Australia used effectively during the Ashes, placing the wicketkeeper close to the stumps. With Jamie Smith standing up, batsmen face a greater risk of being stumped if they advance, allowing Robinson to bowl fuller and give the ball more time to swing. Agnew said Smith deserved credit for making the tactic possible.