Trott ready to take on the world

JONATHAN Trott is relishing his coaching role with England at the Under-19s World Cup in New Zealand as he sets about adding “another string to the bow” for his post-playing career.

The 36-year-old Warwickshire batsman (pictured) has been appointed batting coach to work alongside head coach Jon Lewis for the tournament, which begins on January 13.

England, who start their campaign against Namibia on January 15, will aim to be involved in the final at Tauranga on February 3.

And their squad, including Bears’ batsman Liam Banks, will benefit from the input of Trott, who worked with England Lions at their training camp in Loughborough last month before their departure to Australia.

“I enjoyed working with the Lions and am looking forward to getting out there for the U19s World Cup and helping the guys to hopefully do well,” Trott said.

“I have played a lot of cricket over the years and have quite a lot of experience but that doesn’t necessarily make you a great coach.

“Some very good cricketers have not made such good coaches – it’s all about communicating and being able to pass things on and that’s what I have to learn to do.

“I’ve been lucky enough to work under some top coaches – Bob Woolmer, Eddie Barlow, Ashley Giles, Andy Flower – and you try to take bits from all of them.

“It’s a great opportunity for me because I’ll be 37 next year so I have to look forward. I have done a bit of media work but enjoy coaching and this is an extra string to the bow.”

Trott’s knowhow will be of great value to the U19s’ batsmen, reckons David Parsons, the England and Wales Cricket Board’s performance director.

“Trotty was invited to help the Lions and made a really positive impression on all the players and coaches,” he said. “It’s good to be able to offer him the opportunity to gain further coaching experience and to share his considerable international experience with our next generation of batsmen.”

And then it will be back to Edgbaston for Trott in a Warwickshire squad aiming to bounce back with a vengeance from their deeply disappointing 2017 season.

“I always try to help the younger guys at the Bears where I can,” he said. “We have some talented players coming through and the aim is clear – to go straight back up in the championship, be much better in the 50-over game and challenge hard again in T20.”