England's problems mount as Ollie Robinson suffers knee soreness ahead of Oval Test

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has added uncapped fast bowler Henry Crocombe as a cover for Ollie Robinson in the squad for the second Test against New Zealand. Robinson made a remarkable comeback to the England Test team after two years with a Player of the Match performance in the first Test at Lord’s.

However, he experienced knee soreness following a training session on Friday and is set to undergo a scan on Saturday, June 13. The right-arm seamer had a dream comeback to the Test team, registering career-best match figures of 7 for 77, playing a key role in England’s 115-run victory.

As a result, England have added Henry Crocombe to the squad as a precautionary measure, who has scalped 104 wickets from 47 First Class matches so far. The 24-year-old is currently playing for Sussex against Glamorgan in County Championship Division One at Hove, having picked up 2/41 in the first innings.

Earlier this month, he also picked up 4/65 in the England Lions' first unofficial Test against South Africa A. Robinson, Archer, and Atkinson were also present at Hove, bowling in the nets under the guidance of Troy Cooley, England's elite national pace-bowling lead.

Meanwhile, England are already without their captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson, who also scalped a seven-wicket haul in the first Test at Lord’s, after the duo got embroiled in a controversial nightclub incident after the first match.

New Zealand add Will Young for 2nd Test

Their absence has led to fast bowler Jofra Archer's addition to the squad, along with Jordan Cox. England also have Matthew Fisher and Sonny Baker as seam-bowling options in the group. The second Test against New Zealand begins on June 17 at the Oval. 

Ahead of the match, New Zealand squad has also undergone changes as Kane Williamson announced his retirement from international cricket, and has been replaced by Will Young for the last two Tests.