Trott’s biggie puts England on top
LONDON, England (AFP) — Jonathan Trott’s 175 not out against Bangladesh here yesterday saw the England batsman achieve at the first attempt what some fail to do in a career — get his name on the Lord’s honours board.
Trott’s innings was the centrepiece of England’s 362 for four on the first day of a two-Test series and saw him put on 181 for the second wicket with England captain and fellow South African-born batsman Andrew Strauss (83).
Warwickshire batsman Trott, in his eighth Test, was under pressure for his place after an indifferent winter where he struggled during England’s tours of his native South Africa and Bangladesh.
But Trott, who in the second innings of his debut Test against Australia at the Oval last year made 119, responded with his second successive century at this level in England and, in nearly six hours at the crease, didn’t give a single chance.
“It’s a good feeling, something you dream of — being able to have the chance to play at Lord’s,” said the 29-year-old. “Then to go on and get a hundred is even more special.
“I was a little bit disappointed with the way I ended the South Africa tour. It was just a few bad shots, a few good balls. That’s cricket.
“I was a bit frustrated in Bangladesh, getting a few scores but getting out in a few funny ways.
“You want to do as well as you can… So when a few innings don’t go your way, you start to ask ‘why am I not getting runs?’, and start to look for things that perhaps aren’t there.”
Trott explained how glad he was to have followed the advice of England batting great and former captain Graham Gooch, who made 333 in a Test innings against India at Lord’s in 1990.
“Speaking to Graham Gooch, who helps us with our batting, he says whenever
you get that chance, make sure it’s a
big score.”
Bangladesh’s Australian coach Jamie Siddonsnce but said his fast bowlers “really let the side down” after captain Shakib Al Hasan won the toss in overcast conditions that quickly evaporated.
Debutant Robiul Islam’s 14 overs cost 80 runs and Shahadat Hossain (one wicket for 66 runs from 17 overs) and Rubel Hossain (one for 74 off 16) were scarcely less expensive.
