Ollie Robinson could make 2020 a very special season – even if it only lasts for a couple of months.

Domestic cricket remains on hold until August 1 at best due to coronavirus.

But five Sussex stars have dusted off their kit to start training as part of the England set-up.

Uncapped Phil Salt, Laurie Evans and Robinson have come off furlough and joined Jofra Archer and Chris Jordan in a 55-man training group spread across various county grounds.

That has allowed Robinson to get back out in the middle at Hove, looking to build on work he did with Jimmy Anderson in South Africa at a specialist camp in the winter.

The Sussex new-ball bowler said: “Being with Jimmy in South Africa this winter showed me a new way forward, seeing someone at the top of their game and how hard they still work.

“I think most English bowlers around the country look up to Jimmy.

“He has taken that many wickets and played for that many years that it’s hard to look past that.

“He’s definitely someone I look at as a role model and hopefully in the future I can almost take his place and fill the void. That’s definitely what I am aiming for.”

Robinson has taken 137 Championship wickets for Sussex in the last two seasons.

Although they have come in the second division, it has been enough to catch England eyes.

He has taken the same pace, bounce, accuracy and thoughtful processes into limited over formats.

But the longer game appears to be his best chance of England recognition.

Robinson said: “Ever since I started, I have wanted to play Test cricket for England so the goal is red-ball cricket for me and my stats lean more that way as well.

“It’s very pleasing to get the nod. It’s something I have been working hard for now for a few years.

“It’s always nice to get the recognition, especially after a good couple of years in county cricket.

“After having ten weeks off as a bowler it is quite challenging getting the workload back in quickly. It will take time.”

Robinson was last in first-class action in the final week of February, taking 3-66 and 4-81 for England Lions as they beat Australia A in Melbourne.

He turns 27 in December so it would appear to be the right time for him to take the big step up.

Cricketing eyes could be focused entirely on the international stage in the coming weeks, though Hove regulars and Sussex themselves will certainly hope not.

And that could mean two or more formats going at – or close to - the same time for England.

Robinson is a fortnight away from the sort of physical shape he thinks he needs to bowl first at batsmen in the nets, then in the real thing.

He told Sky Sports News: “I bowled 16 overs last week and my body felt quite good so hopefully it only takes a couple of weeks and then it’s about maintaining that and hoping the body stays good for a long period of time.

“We had a chat on Zoom, about 60 of us, setting out each phase.

“I think it was three weeks on your own and then, Government-permitting, training in small groups, so the Sussex lads can join up with the Kent boys or the Surrey lads and do a bit of bat and ball.

“I think England are going to pick a smaller squad in five weeks and hopefully I will be involved in that.”