'Had Doubts Over My International Career': England's Ollie Robinson On Old-Tweets Fiasco

Reacting to the 'old-tweets' fiasco, Ollie Robinson said he was worried that he might never get a chance to play again for the national team.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had suspended Ollie Robinson from all international cricket, pending outcome of a disciplinary action, after 'racist and sexist' tweets posted by him in 2012 and 2013 resurfaced on the day he made his Test debut for England. Reacting to the 'old-tweets' fiasco, the young talented speedster said he was worried that he might never get a chance to play again for the national team.

"I definitely had doubts over my career. There was a time I was speaking with my lawyers and we were looking at the fact I could be banned for a couple of years. That would have taken me up to the age of 30 and someone else could have come in and taken my spot. So yes, I had doubts over my career. I thought I might never play for England again," said Robinson during a virtual press conference conducted at end of the ongoing Ind vs Eng 1st Test, Day 3.

"It was tough. Probably the toughest few weeks I've had in cricket to be honest, or in my life, actually. It affected not only myself but my family. But luckily it all came good today. I was a young, naive guy. I made a lot of mistakes. Not just those tweets. I had negative press when I got sacked from Yorkshire as well. But I have learned a lot. I have grown as a person in that time. I have tried to develop myself as a person in the last ten years. I am father now, as well, and I have just tried to make myself the best person I can be. I hope people will be able to see that," he added.

In the first innings of Ind vs Eng 1st Test, Team India were bundled up for runs after the last wicket added 33 runs. For England, James Anderson and Ollie Robinson  were the pick of bowlers as the duo bagged four and five wickets, respectively. For India, bowlers added some crucial runs and opener KL Rahul and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja scored remarkable half-centuries to take a 95-run led in the first innings.

"It was friendly banter. I was trying to get them out of their bubble and play a few shots. They were batting well. But they were pretty defensive and I wanted KL Rahul to play some shots.It was all good fun out there," said Robinson.

"But it was important for me to show everyone that I am the real deal on the field and try to get the scrutiny off me. It was a proud moment for myself and my family; a moment I'll cherish for a long time," he added.