were it, bowling out the opposition cheaply, making a big score and then bowling them out again. The way we fought back in Brisbane was also really good as it set the tone when a lot of people thought the Aussies were going to give us a hiding in their own backyard.


Was there a point on the Ashes Tour when you knew that the series was yours for the taking?


and when you do that you’re not at your best because you’re not relaxed. Understanding your game and knowing what you can and can’t do as a cricketer gives you the confidence and helps to keep you calm in any situation.


If you could face any bowler from the past who would it be?


Derek Underwood, I’d like to see what all the hype is about!


I’m very clear on the role Andy Strauss and Andy Flower want me to play and I think I’ve been pretty good at it.


After the first day at Melbourne, I had a feeling that we were going to have to play really badly to lose, or they were going to have to play out of their skin to beat us. When we bowled them out for around 96 and we were 150 odd without loss on the first day I had a feeling it would go our way.


Watching England during the World Cup was entertaining but it just wasn’t to be. What would you say went wrong?


There were a couple of things, but with regards to the Sri Lanka game everything came off for them! For example the two opening batsmen would come down and try to hit the spinner over mid-off and they’d either connect sweetly or nick it passed the keeper, it was just one of those things. We probably should have scored a few more runs, but their spinners bowled really well and they’re a very difficult team to play against in their own conditions.


How would you describe your role in the England batting line up?


Quite simply to score as many runs as possible! When it comes to Test Match cricket it’s all about taking the time to build an innings and building partnerships, whilst in one day cricket it’s all about scoring well and at a good rate whilst being the batsman other players bat around. I’m very clear on the role Andy Strauss and Andy Flower want me to play and I think I’ve been pretty good at it.


You’ve built up a reputation as someone who stays extremely cool under pressure, what specific attributes would you say give you the edge in this department?


I think having played so much county cricket has helped me to understand my game more which helps me to do the right thing when the pressure is on. When some players are under pressure they feel they have to play in a different way


Does any innings you’ve played stand out as being the most pressurized or difficult?


I’d say it would have to be my first Test Match at the Oval coming in with England under pressure having lost three wickets quite cheaply. We’d bowled them out with a hefty lead but I knew on that wicket it was imperative we didn’t get knocked over for a low score. I also felt quite a bit of pressure coming in to bat with Strauss in the evening on the second day which carried over into the morning session on day three where we put on about 90. When Strauss went out just before lunch I knew we’d done our job as a pair, but as an individual I just kept batting on and whoever came in just batted around me.


Does your approach differ for limited overs and test cricket?


I think you have to approach the two differently. In a Test Match you have a lot of time and generally you can go about your innings in your own way, whilst in One Day cricket, you generally have to adjust to the situation that the team finds itself in and adapt accordingly.


Which players from the past, if any, have inspired your style of play?


I didn’t try and mould myself on any particular player, but my biggest inspiration was Peter Kirsten. I was fortunate enough to be coached by him at the academy I played in which was a huge honour. I keep in contact with him and I must say it’s a weird feeling keeping in contact with your heroes!


Can you name a few bowlers who stand out in your mind as being the most intimidating or difficult to score against?


Well obviously Shane Warne stands out as an intimidating player but he always gave you options to score runs. Peter Siddle is a good bowler, he’s very accurate and I think he’s very much an underrated bowler.


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If you could bat with any batsman from the past who would it be?


Sir Donald Bradman, I’d love to see how good he was.


JONATHON TROTT: THE ESSENTIALS


Born: April 22, 1981 Country: England Role: Batsman Batting style: Right handed


Matches Innings Not outs Runs


High score Average


Strike rate 50’s


100’s


Test 18 30 4


1,600 226


61.53 48.19 5 5


ODI 25 25 2


1,280 137


55.65 78.62 11 3


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