Ollie Robinson reflected on a “clinical” win as Sussex beat Leicestershire by 222 runs in his first match as captain of the Rothesay County Championship team.
The 32-year-old bowler said: “It was a pretty clinical performance. There wasn’t really any member of the team that didn’t do something in the game – and I think that shows that the team’s in a great place.
“Tom Clark and Henry Crocombe were unbelievable for us. It was nipping quite a lot the first day and we kind of thought that 250 was probably par.
“The openers got us off to a flyer and for Clarkey to follow that up with 100 was sublime.
“Then Henry came and did what he does, I suppose. We know that he’s got high pace and I think over this winter he’s been learning a bit more about his skill and his control. And I think there’s a lot more to come from him.
“And then we had a really important partnership with Tom Price and Jack Carson. We were at probably a point there where it could have given Leicestershire a bit of momentum.
“But they just well and truly put it to bed and put the chase out of reach.
“Myself, I felt in the first innings that I bowled really nicely and picked up some vital wickets at key times.
“I really enjoyed being captain and part of that was sort of figuring out how I use myself.
“The only reason I didn’t bowl today was that I had a plan in my head about who to use when and I was going to bring myself on with the new ball which of course we didn’t need in the end.
“Being captain and bowling and trying to figure out where the other guys fit in as well is a different challenge and one I enjoyed.
“As far as England is concerned, it is nice to know that the door is still open but it’s never really in my mind to be honest.
“I just love playing in the game that I’m in and I always try to take wickets, no matter whether England are there or not.”
Leicestershire head coach Alfonso Thomas said: “They came at us in that opening session and, while I don’t like to talk about one session of the game being the difference, if you don’t start on the front foot it is hard to catch up and stay in the game.
“You don’t like to make excuses but we were missing a few experienced bowlers and it was a big ask for Yadvinder (Singh) to come in and take the new ball.
“I’m not saying the whole compass of the game would have been different had everyone been available but it obviously made a difference.
“On the plus side, Jake Weatherald has come in and brought a lot of positive energy to the dressing room. He showed what he can bring us on the field and I’m sure a big score is not far away.
“And Ben Green was tremendous – the way he gave his all. I think virtually all his work was up the hill into a Storm Dave wind so you’ve got to applaud him for that.
“We’ve got a big challenge next week against Surrey who have a tremendous side.
“But we have learned a lot already about what you need to do to compete in this division and it is the kind of challenge the guys want to be giving themselves.”
