Robinson’s last Test appearance came with a back problem in January’s final Ashes match in Hobart, in which he was dropped for the opening Test against New Zealand at Lord’s in June before missing three matches in the West Indies in March.
Robinson was sidelined with a back issue between late May and late July – he also suffered from Covid-19 during that time – but returned to action for Sussex in the County Championship last week, Took nine wickets in the match against Nottinghamshire.
Ben Stokes (c), James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Harry Brooke, Jack Crowley, Ben Fox, Jack Leach, Alex Lees, Craig Overton, Matthew Potts, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root
The 28-year-old will now hope to return to England as a replacement for Jamie Overton for games against South Africa at Lord’s (17-21 August) and Emirates Old Trafford (25-29 August). who are out due to injuries to hands and feet.
The third and final match against South Africa is at the Kia Oval (8-12 September).
England vs South Africa
1st Test (Lord’s) – 17-21 August
2nd Test (Emirates Old Trafford) – August 25-29
Third Test (Kia Oval) – September 8-12
Robinson will test his fitness by playing for the England Lions in a four-day match against South Africa at Canterbury from 9 August.
England have won all four of their Tests this summer under new captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum, thrashing New Zealand 3-0 to clinch a 2-2 series draw in the rescheduled fifth Test against India.
Wicketkeeper Ben Fox missed the final game against New Zealand and then the clash with India due to Covid-19, but will return against South Africa with Sam Billings ruled out.
England men’s performance director Mo Bobat said: “After a great start to the summer, we are looking forward to an exciting Test series against a strong South African side. The selectors have selected a team for the first two Tests at Lord’s and Emirates Old.” Trafford with consistency in mind.
James Anderson, who turned 40 on Saturday, and Stuart Broad are set to lead the attack once again, with Robinson, Craig Overton and Matthew Potts among the other fast bowlers.
England keep the faith with Zak Crowley – the Kent opener has not crossed 50 in seven innings so far this summer but scored 46 in a better performance last time against India.
England squad for South Africa’s first two Tests: Ben Stokes (c), James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Harry Brooke, Jack Crowley, Ben Fox, Jack Leach, Alex Lees, Craig Overton, Matthew Potts, Ollie Pope , Ollie Robinson, Joe root