Ruthless Streak Of Robinson Raises The Bar

Mark Robinson doesn’t read the papers.

- Isabelle Westbury

At least not the cricket pages. Nor is he on social media. This approach served him well early into his tenure as England women’s coach when the (enforced) retirement of then captain Charlotte Edwards made for some less than favourable commentary.

His success since has proven many wrong. For someone so conservative in his reluctance to conform to the demands of the 24-hour news cycle, there is a subtle irony in Robinson’s readiness to embrace change in the management of his own team. This week’s announcement of the England squad to tour India, where they will play in a triangular T20 series followed by a handful of bilateral ODIs, continues that theme. It features six changes to the side which hoisted last year’s World Cup – four dropped, two rested.

This paradox is one of many and in the two-and-a-half years since his appointment, Robinson remains something of an enigma, difficult to read.

At first he appeared keen to purvey a more democratic image, one of considered, cooperative thinking, as Robinson sought input and advice from many sources across the cricket community – players, coaches, administrators and even media, from both the men’s and women’s game.

On instigating Edwards’ retirement however, just six months into his term, the shroud slipped as it seemed that in reality perhaps, his was simply a case of one strong personality ousting another. While Robinson maintains that he wants to build a collective, balanced team, free from the hierarchy which preceded it, it is clear too that he is a coach of conviction, with his own firm view of what works, and what does not.