Day 21: Robinson close to return to the game

 Since Mark Robinson's time as England women's coach came to an end, what he did next was always going to interesting. As a coach, there isn't much the Robinson hasn't won. An outstanding record with Sussex saw him coach them to back-to-back County Championships and a handful of white-ball trophies.

As England women's coach saw him help his side win the World Cup at Lord's in 2017. He made difficult decisions such as removing Charlotte Edwards as captain. It was a bold move for someone newly in the job. Changes needed to be made.

The World Cup was not won the easy way, defeat in the first game at Derby meant England would win every match after that point. The final played in front of a packed Lord's saw Heather Knight lift the trophy.

Robinson lost his job in 2019 after a disastrous Ashes series. While there could be some blame put upon the coach's shoulders, Australia's investment off the pitch was paying dividends on it. Australia had a knack of winning most if not all the critical points during the series.

Had it not been for the global pandemic, Robinson would surely have donned his coaching shorts and baseball glove and giving eager cricketers throw-downs sooner.

Warwickshire should be a good fit under Paul Farbrace, Robinson will be given the support to turn around the fortunes of a county that demands performances on the field.

I remember when Robinson joined Sussex. I had only started going to Hove regularly when he signed. At a Sussex open day, I managed to bowl a ball at him in the nets. I was probably the worst delivery I have ever bowled.

As a player, the memories I have are him playing in the Sunday League. He was at times a bowler hard to get away, and along with Umer Rashid, they would dry up the rate of opposition teams during those tricky middle overs.

I have no doubts that he will be a success with Warwickshire. A quiet man on the surface he is not afraid to make the hard choices. He is very considered in the way he thinks about the game and gives little away.

The players that play for him will get someone supportive and allow them to develop their games, and that is what you need and will get from Robinson.