Robinson got the call to step in for Jordan Cox, a young keeper-batter who was set to stand behind the stumps for all three Tests. But Cox hurt his thumb during practice, so he’s out for the whole tour. At the same time, the team’s usual keeper, Jamie Smith, can’t play in the series because he’s taking time off to be with his kid.
Cox got hurt on Sunday, November 24, but Robinson joined the squad today, November 28. It took time to get the Durham wicketkeeper to New Zealand because of travel issues. Robinson had to update his passport before he could fly out since no one had told him earlier that he might need to fill in on the tour.
The delay ruined Robinson’s chances to show up on time for the first game of the series, so Ollie Pope had to step in as wicketkeeper. Cox’s injury created a gap in the top seven, which 21-year-old Jacob Bethell from Warwickshire filled. Bethell didn’t just make the team; he got the key No. 3 spot in a changed batting lineup, a role he’s never had in first-class matches. What’s interesting is that Bethell hasn’t scored a hundred in professional cricket yet. This makes him the first main batter picked for England in Test cricket without this feat since Mike Gatting in 1978.
Robinson has earned recognition for two outstanding seasons since joining Durham. After relocating from Kent, he has maintained an impressive County Championship batting average of 53. The 25-year-old particularly shone in the 2024 Division One campaign, even though his performance dipped slightly towards the close of the season.