England batsman Jonathan Trott announces international retirement

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/may/04/jonathan-trott-england-international-retirement

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Jonathan Trott announced his retirement from international cricket on Monday after his disappointing performances as an opener during England’s three-Test tour of the West Indies.

Trott returned to the side 17 months after he withdrew from the 2013-14 Ashes in Australia citing a stress-related condition. It was decided to use him as an opener in the Caribbean but, though he made 59 in the second Test in Grenada, he failed to reach double figures in his other five innings, making three ducks. In the first innings in Barbados the mode of his dismissal, fending off a short ball, seemed an indicator of what might lie in store should he appear in this summer’s Ashes.

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“This was a tough decision to make,” said Trott, “but I don’t feel my game is at the level you need to be at to play for England. 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 want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped me and given me the chance to represent England and to thank supporters for all their backing over the years. I also want to wish the lads all the very best for what will be an incredibly exciting summer.”

Trott has taken a sensible decision, almost certainly before it was made for him. He played in 52 Tests, marking his debut with the first of his nine Test centuries, in a victory against Australia at The Oval when England clinched the Ashes in 2009. He leaves the international arena with an average of 44.08 in Test matches and 51.25 in 68 one-day internationals; he also appeared in seven T20 internationals.

The England Test captain, Alastair Cook, said: “It has been an absolute honour to play alongside Trotty in every one of his 52 Tests. He can be incredibly proud of all he has achieved in his career and it is no coincidence that his time in international cricket has seen the team achieve some very special things, often with Trotty at the heart of our success on and off the field.

“To come back from events around the Brisbane Test in 2013 and earn a place back in this side is testament to his character and spirit and, although things didn’t work out as we all hoped on this current tour, he gave absolutely everything to the three lions every time he wore the cap. I speak on behalf of this current team and all those who have shared a dressing room with him over the years when I say it was a privilege to play alongside him.

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“He’ll be sorely missed by all in England cricket and our supporters will thank him for some incredible memories.”

Earlier, before the announcement, the England head coach, Peter Moores, had denied it was a mistake to try to resurrect Trott’s Test career, in an unfamiliar position at that. “No, I don’t think it was a mistake,” he said. “Not at all. He earned the right to be on this trip. He went back to Warwickshire and got runs, went on the Lions trip, was the lead batter. He’d earned the right to have a go.

“We wanted to know whether he could fill a role opening the batting. We knew it was going to be tough. He’s batted at No3 before, slightly different but it’s still up there, and that question needed to be answered. Has it been answered? He’s had a really tough trip and found it difficult, so yes, from that respect it has.”