'Practising Mohammed Shami's Dead-straight Seam': Ollie Robinson Ahead of Test Series Against India

England paceman Ollie Robinson asserted that he is trying hard to replicate premier India pacer Mohammed Shami’s seaming position in the upcoming five-match Test series.

Robinson will be playing Test cricket on Indian soil for the first time and he will be looking to make a major impact to cement his place in the English team.

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England team is doing simulation of Indian conditions in Abu Dhabi and will reach Hyderabad on January 21 for the opening Test and Robinson, who was a net bowler during the 2021 series held in a bio-bubble, is expected to play a big role in the absence of the now-retired Stuart Broad.

“I’ve actually been practising Mohammed Shami’s dead-straight seam,” he revealed.

Mohammed Shami landing his deliveries on perfect seam position is a work of art as it has helped him swing the ball both ways in all conditions.

“He’s one of the best bowlers for India. I was looking at Ishant (Sharma) as well – he played at Sussex for a bit and he’s done really well in India for quite a while. He’s tall, similar to me,” Robinson told ESPN Cricinfo in an interview.

Robinson took 21 wickets in the first four Tests against India in England but the Indian tracks will pose a different challenge. It is expected that the pitch might assist the spinners and Robinson has to fight for his place in the XI.

“You feel like you don’t know what you’re preparing for, which is a challenge I’ve not really had yet,” Robinson said.

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The key is adaptability on sub-continental tracks and Robinson is confident to adapt to the conditions.

“On this tour, it’ll be about being adaptable; look at the pitch a day or two before and assess how it’ll play, or try to get clues from the nets on the square. It’ll be a different challenge but one that I’m looking forward to because it’ll engage my cricket-nuffy brain,” he added.