Trott calls time on England as return falls flat
ENGLAND batsman Jonathan Trott admitted he was unable to reproduce the match-winning contributions of previous years after last night announcing his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect.
Trott was recalled for the drawn Test series against the West Indies after a prolonged absence due to a stress-related illness, which emerged during England’s disastrous Ashes whitewash in the winter of 2013/14.
The 34-year-old endured a difficult time in the Caribbean, appearing fidgety at the crease while opening the batting alongside skipper Alastair Cook and only managing 72 runs in his six innings, including one half-century and three ducks.
“This was a tough decision to make but I don’t feel my game is at the level you need to be at to play for England,” said Trott, who retired after scoring 3,835 runs in 52 Tests at an average of 44.08.
“I was honoured to be given the opportunity to come back and play international cricket again and I’m disappointed it didn’t work out.
“I’ve had incredible highs and some real lows in an England shirt but wouldn’t change a thing.”
Head coach Peter Moores, meanwhile, has pleaded for patience in his quest to restore his side’s former glories following their capitulation in the third and final Test in the Caribbean.
The tourists were expected to win the series which the West Indies levelled with a five-wicket victory in Barbados, as England were bowled out for a paltry 123 in their second innings, leaving Moores’s tenure under the spotlight.
“There has to be patience at times,” said Moores. “I get the frustration from people wanting England to win now and be successful and be consistent. Especially coming off the back of what was a very, very good era of English cricket.”