Ollie Robinson attracting interest as Kent wicketkeeper weighs up future

It is understood that Kent are keen to keep Robinson, but his desire to keep wicket has been complicated by Sam Billings' elevation in England's Test pecking order

Several counties are interested in Kent wicketkeeper Ollie Robinson, with the 23-year-old considering his options at his boyhood county.

Robinson, who captained Kent in red-ball cricket earlier this season but was sent out on loan to Durham for the T20 Blast, has been left out of the side for the County Championship clash with Northamptonshire this week, with both Sam Billings and Zak Crawley returning.

It is understood that Kent are keen to keep Robinson, who has represented England at both under-19 and Lions level, but his desire to keep wicket has been complicated by Billings' elevation in England's Test pecking order. Previously, Billings and Robinson have played together, but with Robinson behind the stumps.

But Billings took the gloves for the final Ashes Test in Australia, replaced Ben Foakes as a Covid substitute against New Zealand and then retained his spot while Foakes was recovering for the seven-wicket victory over India.

^{Robinson was on loan at Durham for the T20 Blast (Stu Forster/Getty Images)}

Robinson's current contract expires at the end of the 2023 season, though an agreement was included in the deal that would allow him to explore other options a year early if certain criteria weren't met.

He would be highly sought-after on the county circuit, with four first-class centuries to his name, as well as captaincy experience; he was ever-present in the Blast group stages for Durham. Sussex, who lost Ben Brown to Hampshire last winter, are believed to be among Robinson's admirers.

Related Topics

• Reigning champions Kent end dismal Blast campaign with defeat