England batsman Jonathan Trott has announced his retirement from international cricket.
Trott was recalled for the tour of the West Indies for the first time since leaving England’s 2013-14 Ashes tour due to a situational anxiety condition, but has found runs tough to come by.
His six innings brought three ducks, two more single-figure scores and just a solitary half-century and led him to conclude his game is not “at the level you need to be at to play for England”.
Trott played 52 Tests, 68 ODIs and seven T20s in his eight-year international career.
He made nine Test centuries, starting with one against Australia on his debut in the 2009 Ashes, and averaged 44.08.
That record led England to recall him once some strong form domestically and for the second-string England Lions side suggested he had overcome his anxiety problems.
But after he failed to flourish in a new role as captain Alastair Cook’s opening partner, Trott himself acknowledged the decision had not been successful.
“This was a tough decision to make but I don’t feel my game is at the level you need to be at to play for England,” he said in a statement released by the England and Wales Cricket Board.
“I was honoured to be given the opportunity to come back and play international cricket again and I’m disappointed it didn’t work out.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped me and given me the chance to represent England and to thank the supporters for all their backing over the years. I also want to wish the lads all the very best for what will be an incredibly exciting summer.”
England host New Zealand and then Australia this summer, while Trott will return to county action with Warwickshire.
“I’ve had incredible highs and some real lows in an England shirt but wouldn’t change a thing,” he finished. “I look forward to continuing my career at Warwickshire and hopefully helping us win more silverware.”
Cook paid tribute to his long-time colleague in the top order, a constant as England won back-to-back Ashes series, won a Test series in India for the first time in 27 years and reached the top of the world Test rankings.
Cook said: “It has been an absolute honour to play alongside Trotty in every one of his 52 Tests.
“He can be incredibly proud of all he has achieved in his career and it is no coincidence that his time in international cricket has seen the team achieve some very special things, often with Trotty at the heart of our success on and off the field.
“To come back from events around the Brisbane Test in 2013 and earn a place back in this side is testament to his character and spirit and although things didn’t work out as we all hoped on this current tour, he gave absolutely everything to the Three Lions every time he wore the cap.
“I speak on behalf of this current team and all those who have shared a dressing room with him over the years when I say it was a privilege to play alongside him. He’ll be sorely missed by all in England cricket and our supporters will thank him for some incredible memories.”
