Ollie Robinson returns to England squad for South Africa Tests

The Sussex seamer has played just four times this season due to a catalogue of fitness issues but returns to the group for the first two Tests of the three-match series

England men have recalled Ollie Robinson to their 14-strong squad for the first two Tests of the three-match series against South Africa.

A succession of fitness issues including back spasms, a tooth infection, food poisoning, back stiffness and a bout of Covid-19 have ruined his year thus far.

Those problems have meant Robinson has been largely inactive since the fifth Ashes Test in Hobart, during which he was criticised by bowling coach Jon Lewis.

Robinson has managed four outings for Sussex - three in the LV= Insurance County Championship and one in a tour match against New Zealand.

England v South Africa Test fixtures:

First Test: August 17-21, Lord's

Second Test: August 25-29, Old Trafford

Third Test: September 8-12, the Kia Oval

He went a long way to proving his fitness by taking nine wickets in the Division Two clash against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge.

In an effort to continue his progress, Robinson will place for the Lions against South Africa in a four-day game at Canterbury (August 9-12). The remainder of the squad will be unveiled later this week.

As previously reported, Jamie Overton misses out having picked up foot and hand injuries while playing for Surrey in the Championship.

Kent's Sam Billing is also missing from the squad picked to face India last month, meaning he is set to play a full part for Oval Invincibles in the men's Hundred.

Zak Crawley keeps his place, as expected, despite averaging 17.75 during the four summer Tests.

There is no place for Sam Curran despite his return to full fitness while Mark Wood, Jofra Archer and Olly Stone are all out injured.

^{Sam Billings has been freed up for The Hundred (Alex Davidson/Getty Images)}

"After an excellent start to the summer under Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes, we're looking forward to an exciting Test series against a strong South Africa side," said men's performance director Mo Bobat.

"The selectors have picked a squad for the first two Tests at Lord's and Emirates Old Trafford with continuity in mind. 

"It's good to get Ollie Robinson back in the mix after his recent injury. He will continue his progress by playing for the Lions against South Africa in a four-day match at Canterbury next week."

England Test squad: Ben Stokes (c), James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Foakes, Jack Leach, Alex Lees, Craig Overton, Matthew Potts, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root