Back injury to restrict Ollie Robinson's bowling on day two

The 28-year-old dismissed David Warner and Steve Smith on day two but was restricted to bowling just six balls in sessions two and three

Ollie Robinson’s back injury is set to continue to plague Joe Root’s plans on day two of the Ashes Test in Hobart with the seamer confirmed as unable to bowl in the first session.

The 28-year-old was integral to England’s impressive start in Tasmania, nailing his line and length in the opening hour of play and exploiting the early movement in the pitch to remove David Warner and Steve Smith for ducks. Australia were 12 for 3 at the 10-over mark.

However, when he returned to the attack in the second session, he completed just six balls before leaving the field with back spasms.

He was able to return to the match, fielding for the remainder of day one, but was unable to bowl. As a result, Root was forced to bowl himself for 10 overs under lights.

^{Robinson celebrates the wicket of Steve Smith [William West/Getty Images]}

Addressing Robinson’s injury and his role in the remainder of this Test, a statement said: "England seam bowler Ollie Robinson continues to struggle with a back spasm. He will not be in a position to bowl in the first session on day two.

"He is expected to field during the first session should he be fit to bowl later in the day.”

Robinson has been one of England’s best bowlers during this Ashes series and has taken a team-leading 11 wickets at 23.45.

However, speaking after the close of play on January 14, England’s bowling coach, Jon Lewis, admitted there are concerns about Robinson’s overall fitness.

"It’s something he’s definitely looking at, and definitely we’re working on with him," Lewis said. "If he’s going to perform consistently over a long period of time at this level, he will need to be a fitter bowler, 100 per cent.

"We’ve had those conversations; we’ve been pretty frank with him. And now it’s up to him to go and do the work."

Our coverage of the Ashes is brought to you in association with Cricket 22

RELATED LINKS (APP OPENS IN EXTERNAL WINDOW)

Scorecard

George Dobell: Old habits could put all Ollie Robinson's work at risk

Subscribe to The Cricketer for exclusive content every day: The inside track on England's Test tour with George Dobell in Pakistan, award-winning analysis, breaking news and interviews and the only place for in-depth county coverage all year round. Plus: An ad-free app experience at your fingertips. Subscribe to thecricketer.com today for just £1.