The 32-year-old was included in the 15 players named for the first Test of the summer against New Zealand - the first red-ball squad selected since last winter’s dismal Ashes series in Australia in which Brendon McCullum’s outfit were blown away 4-1.Phil Campbell16:00, 21 May 2026Steven Finn has backed Ollie Robinson to show his doubters why he is a ‘world-class bowler’ after being recalled to England’s Test team.‌The 32-year-old was included in the 15 players named for the first Test of the summer against New Zealand - the first red-ball squad selected since last winter’s dismal Ashes series in Australia in which Brendon McCullum’s outfit were blown away 4-1.‌Robinson, who was Down Under playing grade cricket for Sydney University Cricket Club at the same time, hasn’t featured for his country since February 2024 due to concerns over his fitness. But the Sussex seamer, who is captaining his side in the County Championship this season, has taken 17 wickets at an average of 26.17 from five matches as well as smashing an unbeaten century with the bat against Surrey.‌Those exploits have been enough to force his way back into England’s plans and three-time Ashes winner Finn fully expects him to take his chance.“He’s clearly had a couple of years out of the team, but he’s a world-class bowler, there’s no doubt,” he said. “His statistics and the way that he influences games are what make him such a fantastic bowler. The door has been opened for him by the guys in charge at the ECB. If he were to get his opportunity [in the starting XI], I’m sure he’d make the most of it because he’s a very good bowler.”After enjoying a breakthrough Ashes series with 18 wickets in three Tests, Josh Tongue is also in the squad, as well as uncapped trio Emilio Gay, James Rew and Sonny Baker, but there was no place for Zak Crawley or Ollie Pope.‌“Tongue is definitely someone to keep an eye on,” continued Finn. “The way that he bowled in Australia, how aggressive he was and how he looked to take wickets is something that will suit the balance of the attack here in England.”The 37-year-old bowler-turned-broadcaster also threw his weight behind Jamie Smith to regain his form in the Test arena after enduring a torrid time Down Under.‌“Jamie Smith is someone else I’m excited to see develop as an international player because I look at him and think he’s someone who could average 50 in Test match cricket with the way that he plays,” Finn continued. “Seeing him in the team will be a good thing.”Finn was speaking at the Deecon Consulting and Winged Boots Golf Day - raising money and awareness for the Ruth Strauss Foundation. The charity supports families, particularly those with young children of where a parent is living with incurable cancer, helping them navigate difficult conversations and help them find the right words to tell their children so they can build understanding, connection and resilience together.On Friday 5 June, Lord’s will once again be transformed into a sea of red as players, fans, and sponsors come together to raise vital funds for the Foundation and its work for the annual #RedforRuth test match in memory of Ruth Strauss, the late wife of former England cricket captain Andrew Strauss and mother to two children, who passed away from a non-smoking related lung cancer aged just 46 in December 2018.‌Finn added: “I knew Ruth and played with Andrew for a long time, and I’m very friendly with the family, so to be able to support a charity that’s close to my heart is something that means a lot to me.“I try to do as much as I can to support the charity and I’m really proud to be involved and am glad to help in whatever way I can.“I can’t imagine how difficult it is to come to terms with and to plan with the knowledge that that’s going to happen. The more awareness and money that we can raise for the charity, the more families will be helped, and that can only be a good thing.”Article continues belowFor more information and ways you can support the Ruth Strauss Foundation at #RedforRuth at home or in-ground, visit https://ruthstraussfoundation.com/events/redforruth-2026/.