I’ll do it my way, Trott warns Smith
ENGLAND batsman Jonathan Trott has brushed aside criticism from South Africa captain Graeme Smith over his laboured batting style.
South African-born Trott played his part in England batting out for a draw in the first Test in Pretoria on Sunday with an invaluable 69 in only his second Test match.
But his slow preparation at the crease before each delivery riled Proteas skipper Smith, who called for his former Academy team-mate to speed up his approach.
“I’m all for a batter taking their time but when a bowler has to keep stopping it’s frustrating,” Smith said.
“It’s been a constant thing throughout the one-dayers and the Tests. It’s not something we are going to lose sleep over, but it’s a second here and there for him to make a better effort to improve the pace of the game – which is what everyone wants.
But Warwickshire hitter Trott, who his seven boundaries in his 212-ball innings, responded to Smith’s calls, adding: “I won’t be trying to do anything different.
“I’ve never really had any complaints before. It’s one of those things I do to get myself prepared and make sure I’m in the right frame of mind to contribute to the England side.”
Trott’s match-saving 145-run partnership with Kevin Pietersen ended after a bizarre run-out which saw Pietersen depart after running for a quick single while Trott remained rooted to the spot in his crease.
But the England newcomer insists the pair have already shrugged off the mix-up, adding: “I said to Kev, ‘sorry, it was a misunderstanding’. He said ‘no problem’ and we look forward to batting again together in the future.”