World Cup-winning head coach Mark Robinson says “pin-up girl” Issy Wong was mishandled by England with the fast bowler now out of favour at international level.
Wong, 20, made her England debut in all three formats in 2022 and was then featured prominently on marketing material for the 2023 Ashes at home to Australia.
However, the seamer did not play a game in that series and has since struggled with run-up issues, highlighted in an appearance against Sri Lanka 17 months ago when she conceded 24 runs in two overs and bowled three front-foot no-balls.
Robinson, speaking while serving as a pundit for TNT Sports during this year’s Women’s Ashes, said: “We thrust her forward without the foundations to cope.
Wong made her England debut in all three formats in the 2022
“She was the pin-up girl of the ECB as a youngster, as a baby, and then when things got a bit difficult she didn’t have the tools to survive.”
The 58-year-old, who led England to victory in the 2017 50-over World Cup, added: “Issy is doing really well and working hard. She’s still young at 22 and she’s quick, so her time will come again.
“That’s something to learn – how to handle players when we expose them and when to take them out, when to protect them.
“It’s not just from the game, but to protect them from the media as well who sometimes want a piece of them.”
Wong played two T20 internationals and a one-day international for England in Ireland in September but was not part of the squad for the Ashes.
Current England head coach Jon Lewis’ position is under scrutiny after the 16-0 defeat in the Ashes but he still feels he is the best person for the job.
Jon Lewis wants to stay on as England head coach after the Ashes drubbing
Lewis told TNT Sports: “I strongly feel that there’s real growth still left in this group of players and I really feel that I haven’t finished the job that I came here to do.
“Obviously the results haven’t gone the way we want them… but I feel like I’m the right guy to do it.”
Robinson, who left England after a 12-4 defeat at home to Australia in 2019, insists sacking Lewis would not necessarily be the right call, saying: “Sometimes we cheat people of the chance to improve and grow.”
