Ollie Robinson and Usman Khawaja during the the 2023 Ashes. Credit: Getty
Robinson and several other net bowlers, including Pakistan international Usman Qadir, bowled for about 45 minutes to the likes of Smith, Konstas and Kurtis Patterson, who averages 144 in Test cricket from two matches.
Smith and Robinson were teammates at Sussex in 2023, and on Thursday the latter was seen in deep conversation with Blues coach Greg Shipperd. Robinson also spent time with Konstas after the session, a day after the 20-year-old was left out of Australia’s Test squad.
Robinson was contacted for comment.
One would imagine Robinson would not have been welcome at Queensland training alongside Khawaja given their history.
Sam Konstas and Ollie Robinson relaxing at NSW training on Thursday in Sydney. Credit: Sitthixay Ditthavong
After removing Khawaja for 141 at Edgbaston, Robinson sprinted down the pitch yelling: “F— off, you f—ing p—k.” Match referee Andy Pycroft took no action, while Robinson defended his actions.
“I don’t really care how it is perceived, to be honest,” he said. “It’s the Ashes, it’s professional sport. If you can’t handle that, what can you handle?”
Robinson, who got married last month, will remain in Australia until at least Christmas after falling out of favour with England selectors.
Steve Smith and Ollie Robinson at NSW Blues training ahead of Monday’s Sheffield Shield clash against Victoria. Credit: Sitthixay Ditthavong
England’s squad has assembled in Perth and will play a practice match next week.
Ricky Ponting has previously described Robinson as a “slow learner” while Matthew Hayden referred to him as “a forgettable cricketer” during a series where Australia retained the urn.
The Blues will field a full-strength side for round four of the Shield, with Smith, Starc, Hazlewood, Lyon and Sean Abbott all available to face Victoria.