London, July 21: Jonathon Trott scored a valuable half-century in tough conditions on Day 1 of the 100th Test match between England and India being played at Lord’s. Persistent rain brought proceedings to an early end on the much awaited first day of the 2000th Test.
Coming in at No. 3, the 30-year-old Warwickshire batsmen scored an unbeaten 58 runs to help England reach 127 after they were two wickets down for 62 runs. This after MS Dhoni had put the opposition in to bat.
Excerpts from Trott’s media interaction at the end of day’s play:
On whether it was a good toss to lose
Yeah, obviously we would have liked to have bowled ourselves [….] The Indian bowlers bowled really well at the beginning, the wickets would suggest that. I am just happy to be standing not out tonight, 127 for the side and only two down, so [it’s been a] pretty good day all in all but [there’s a] lot of work to be done tomorrow.
On his thoughts about the much hyped match when he went in to bat
Try and do the basics as well as I can. I just try and keep it really simple. There’s a lot of things surrounding a Test match of milestones for the game of cricket itself and for individuals so there’s a lot of things that probably could distract you and it’s really important at that crucial time to really play and focus on the job at hand.
On whether the wicket was a bit on the slower side
I have said a few times […] you expect a bit of green with the covers on and it wasn’t to be. It probably wasn’t bad [for] the bowlers. [The wicket] actually looks quite flat and [if we] managed to get through the new ball, it could be a good day. I would probably say it’s just about even amongst teams today […]
On how things have changed for him
I think a lot does change. You play a certain amount of time and things do change. That’s how you evolve with it and accept it that things are going to be a little bit different. You are a lot more in the media and the public eye and as long as you stay true to yourself and your values and what’s important to you, I think that can help you go a long way and just probably adjust to things that go around you and just take them in and just go with it.
On working with eminent cricketers like Graham Gooch
[I’ve] worked with a lot of good coaches. I have been fortunate over the years, [I’ve] worked a lot with Graham Gooch and Andy Flower and a lot with Ashely Giles at Warwickshire. [A] lot of people have put a lot of hard work into my career and hopefully it will pay off.
On his thoughts on Day 2 of the Test
This can be a great challenge, playing against the best ranked team in the world. Individually and for the team, it’s a great prospect.
