England Ashes star faces fine for foul-mouthed message to Australia rival

Unrepentant Ollie Robinson told Australia to savour a taste of their own medicine after handing out a fruity F-bomb send-off for centurion Usman Khawaja on Sunday. The England pace bowler faces an ICC fine for telling the departing Khawaja to “f*** off” after finally dismissing the opener for 141 on a rain-shortened third day of the First Test.

“When you’re in the heat of the moment and there’s the passion of the Ashes that can happen,” said Robinson. “We’ve all seen Ricky Ponting and other Aussies do the same to us so just because the shoe is on the other foot does that mean it’s not the same for us.

“I don’t really care how it is received to be honest. It’s the Ashes, it’s professional sport. If you can’t handle that, what can you handle? We want that theatre in the game, and I’m here to provide it.

“I think for me it’s my first home Ashes and to get the big wicket at the time was special for me. I think Uzzy played unbelievably well and to get that wicket for the team at the time was massive. We want that theatre in the game don’t we and I’m here to provide it.”

Robinson grabbed 3-55 as England took a seven-run first-innings lead but Australia struck back between the rain showers at Edgbaston to remove both openers and reduce the home side to 28-2 in their second innings. “It was an exciting 20 minutes,” “said Australia wicket-keeper Alex Carey.

“The lights came on, the ball was moving around and we were lucky enough to take two wickets which gives us some momentum to take into tomorrow.

“It’s pretty evenly set up. The pitch is beginning to deteriorate and Nathan Lyon and Moeen Ali are going to play a big role in the second innings.”

Robinson was if he expected to hear from match referee Andy Pycroft about his comment but he replied: “I don’t want to comment.” Meanwhile, Moeen Ali was fined around £3,750 for the use of an unauthorised drying spray on his blistered spinning finger.

While it is not illegal to use the spray, players must seek permission from umpires for the use of anything on their hands unless they have prior approval. The International Cricket Council accepted Moeen was only trying to dry his hands rather than alter the condition of the ball which would have been a much more serious offence.