Ollie Robinson: Seamer thankful for Sussex opportunity

Sussex seamer Robinson took figures of 4-71 in the first innings against Durham

Ollie Robinson has thanked Sussex for giving him a chance to re-launch his professional career following his sacking by Yorkshire last year.

The bowler left the Tykes following "a number of unprofessional actions".

Robinson, 21, scored a century and took four wickets on his first-class debut for Sussex in their defeat by Durham.

"I am grateful to Sussex for giving me another chance. Eight months ago I thought I might not play county cricket again," he told BBC Sussex.

"It is a great opportunity I have got and, with my first game, hopefully I've taken it well enough to stay in the side."

After impressing for Sussex's Second XI, Robinson was named in the first team at Chester-le-Street because of injuries to bowlers Jimmy Anyon, Lewis Hatchett and Tymal Mills.

However, his performance with the bat in Sussex's first-innings was a record breaking one.

Batting at number nine, Robinson became the first debutant to hit a Championship century for Sussex in 95 years and, along with fellow seamer Matt Hobden, he helped put on a county record last-wicket stand of 164.

"It was an amazing feeling on the first day," he said.

"I'm not sure I'll have that sort of elation again. Hopefully I'll put some performances in that keep me in the side and keep me going for the rest of the season."

Robinson is currently on a short-term deal at Hove but BBC Sussex understands he is set to be offered a contract until the end of the season.

"They've been pretty good with me and said I've got a clean slate," he said.

"I've said I've learnt from my mistakes so we're just trying to move in the right direction from now on.

"It was probably a bit of naivety at Yorkshire last year. I think getting older and wiser is the key for me at the moment.

"When I first came here my main priority was to get in the T20 or one-day team. Now I've had a good debut I'm looking to play all formats."