Jonathan Trott to take indefinite break from cricket after relapse of stress illness

Jonathan Trott

In what comes as sad news to cricket fans the world over, England batsman Jonathan Trott has announced his decision to take an indefinite break from the game following a recurrence of the problems that forced him to return home midway through England’s Ashes campaign in Australia late last year.

Trott’s issues cropped up in November last year after the first Ashes test in Gabba and the batsman returned home immediately citing a “stress related illness”. After allowing himself to stay away from the game for sometime, Trott had hoped that he would be able to make a comeback to the England fold and that his condition was just a by-product of playing too much cricket which had caused a burn-out.

However, after experiencing similar emotions while representing Warwickshire in the English county championships over the past few days, Trott has informed his Warwickshire team-mates and the England and Wales Cricket Board of his decision to stay away from playing cricket for an indefinite period.

Trott’s last game for Warwickshire came against Sussex and although the 32-year old top-scored for the team in the first innings, he was troubled by the short ball in his second foray to the crease and eventually got out playing the pull shot. Trott also put down a catch of Ed Joyce in the slips with the left-hander then going on to make a match-winning 151* for Sussex. It is being speculated that was the moment which made the decision for Trott as he’s considered as someone who is very harsh on himself and probably blamed himself for not being able to maintain the concentration levels that was required.

Trott’s decision also puts the role played by the ECB in handling such a sensitive issue under the spotlight. The board has reportedly communicated very little with the batsman ever since his return from Australia. Strong criticism at times from the media and former cricketers like Michael Vaughan would also have done no favours to a man struggling with demons in his mind.

Trott has had a remarkable career with England so far having been a crucial component of 3 Ashes winning squads and the team that reached the No.1 ranking in both Tests and ODIs. Trott was also named ICC Player of the Year in 2011.

The ECB are expected to make an official statement on Friday. One can only hope that this isn’t the end of the road for Trott and that he can make a full recovery and play cricket at the highest level once again.