England's Robinson helps Smith prepare in Sydney nets

Out-of-favour England bowler Ollie Robinson bowled at Australia batter Steve Smith in the nets in Sydney on Thursday, having traveled to Australia to play club cricket.

Robinson, 31, who played the most recent of his 20 Tests in February 2024, was left out of England's Ashes squad but is in Australia for a stint with Sydney University Cricket Club in the Sydney grade cricket competition.

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He bowled at Smith and Sam Konstas - the 20-year-old Australia opener overlooked for the first Test - at New South Wales training.

Smith is preparing for the Ashes by playing for New South Wales and scored a century last week on his return to the Sheffield Shield.

While being in Australia would be of some benefit for Robinson were injury to hit England's pace bowling stocks, an England recall appears unlikely.

Robinson, who played in the 2023 Ashes and the 2021-22 tour down under, has lost his central contract and appears to have been discarded by the current management.

A call-up from England's Lions squads, which includes a host of younger pace bowlers, would be more likely if required.

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