England batsman Jonathan Trott has returned home from the Ashes tour of Australia because of a stress-related illness, with his coach Andy Flower furious about criticism of the 32-year-old by Australia batsman David Warner.
Flower, pictured below, was at pains to point out that Warner describing Trott as “pretty poor and weak” during the first Test in Brisbane had not contributed to the illness which Trott has been struggling with for some time, but said the comments were “disrespectful” and demonstrated why it was important to show sensitivity when commenting on opponents.
Warner, speaking prior to the news of Trott’s departure, conceded his comments had gone too far but claimed they were merely banter.
Flower said: “Jonathan has had his ups and downs through the month and his departure is not directly related to Warner’s comments.
“I would also say that I think players commenting about fellow professionals in the media is disrespectful.
“On this occasion he has got that horribly wrong.
“We set different standards to that and one of the reasons we don’t like commenting about opposition players is because we don’t know what is going on in their dressing room, we don’t know what is going on in their private lives.”
There has been no comment from either Cricket Australia or Warner following the news Trott had left the tour.
The Warwickshire player had to leave for his own good and that of the team.
“I don’t feel it is right I’m playing, knowing I’m not 100% and I cannot currently operate at the level I have done in the past.
“My priority now is to take a break from cricket so that I can focus on my recovery.
“I want to wish my team-mates all the very best for the remainder of the tour.”
Trott was twice dismissed cheaply at the Gabba by a resurgent Mitchell Johnson, whose pace and bounce discomforted several of England’s batsmen. It proved a particular problem for Trott, leading to Warner’s comments.
Trott, it transpires, has been having difficulties for a protracted period.
“Trotty has been suffering from a stress-related condition for quite a while,” added Flower.
“He’s always managed it very successfully and he’s been a brilliant international batsman for England and, we hope, will continue to be a brilliant international batsman for England in the future.
“But he needs time away from this environment for a while; he needs time with his family; he needs time to reassess and spend some time with them.
“This isn’t the type of environment for that type of rest and recuperation which he requires.
“Both Jonathan and our team are confident this is the right decision.”
England arrived in Australia, as it seems they have elsewhere in the past, aware Trott’s mental health was potentially an issue.
But they were optimistic he would be able to deal with a tough series in a country where he has excelled in the past.
“We had high hopes Trotty would have a great tour,” said Flower.
“It hasn’t worked out that way. But we hope he will come back stronger in the future.”
Trott is not the first England player of recent times to experience similar difficulties.
Opener Marcus Trescothick and limited-overs all-rounder Michael Yardy have both also had to leave tours because of mental-health issues in the past decade.
Yardy has not played for England since, and Trescothick just a handful of matches back in 2006.
Flower hopes 32-year-old Trott will be able to return, but emphasised his long-term well-being is the most important consideration.
“He has to have this time away. He has to recuperate,” he added.
“I’ve got the utmost respect for Jonathan Trott as a man and as a cricketer.
“I’m very thankful I’ve been coach while he’s been playing, not least because he’s been a brilliant number three batsman for us.
“He’s a great guy to spend time with. He’s also a strong man, and I am fairly confident he can come back from this.
“But it wouldn’t be the end of the world if he didn’t. He can be very proud of everything that he has done.”