Jonathan Trott looks more assured with every visit to the crease as he embarks on the journey to resurrect his career, reports GARETH STEVENS.
Warwickshire go into the final day’s play at Edgbaston requiring 228 runs for victory, while Nottinghamshire need 8 wickets. It’s a delicately balanced contest and the perfect stage for Trott to announce his revival.
The South African born 33-year-old made his return to first-class cricket in April. He scored 8 in his first innings against Oxford MCCU and then contributed 37 and 26 in two digs against Sussex. His return lasted just three weeks before suffering a relapse of the mental fatigue that ended his Ashes campaign.
His second attempt at returning to cricket saw him drop down to the Warwickshire 2nd XI where he found his rhythm and compiled an unbeaten 138 against Durham’s 2nd XI. Trott is a player who relies on confidence and with his self-belief restored, he returned to the County Championship. He rode out the initial barrage of short balls in the first innings before falling for 23.
His second innings started an hour before stumps on day three. It’s a difficult time to bat and the former England No 3 was once again greeted by three bouncers in a row from Australian Peter Siddle. Trott was unflustered, focused on his peculiar routines, and looked to be the batsman of old.
It was the most calm innings Trott has played since his return to First-class cricket as he reached stumps on 19. He will have the opportunity to dig in on the final day, show his mental frailties are a thing of the past, and see his side home.
There will be real pressure on both batsmen and bowlers on day four at Edgbaston. These are exactly the situations in which Trott used to thrive. The national selectors, as well as spectators all over the world, will be curious to see if the former Rondebosch Boys’ High pupil is truly back to his best.
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