Proud Trott’s emotional send-off at Edgbaston
JONATHAN Trott admits he is “really proud” of his long Warwickshire career, which came to an end as his team secured the County Championship Division Two title.
Fifteen years after launching his Bears career with a debut century against Sussex, Trott played his 281st and last first-class match, with the Bears beating Kent by an innings and 34 runs.
He finished having played 52 Tests for England, which yielded an impressive average of 44.08. Trott’s skills and resolve as a batsman will long be recalled with the warmest affection by England’s supporters, but the fondest farewell for him will be, of course, from all at Edgbaston.
Emotions ran high as the 37-year-old padded up for the final time this week.
“To have been able to play cricket professionally for the length of time I have is something special and I feel very fortunate,” he said.
“I always wanted to play for Warwickshire, even since I was a boy, so to have fulfilled that is very special. When I joined the Bears I really wanted to buy into the club. I wanted to make Warwickshire my home and settle here in Birmingham and I achieved that and am very grateful for that.
“I have never really played the game for stats but, looking back, the amount of years I have spent at the club and the amount of games I have played has been very rewarding and I am really proud of that.
“It has been brilliant to have spent so much time among some fantastic coaches and players and make some lifelong friends – and be part of a team which has won championships and oneday trophies.”
Trott received heartfelt send-off week, both from the squad of which he has been such a big part for so long, and from the supporters to whom he a this has given such pleasure – and who have backed him all the way.
“I have always had great backing from the Bears’ fans, which I have always really appreciated,” he said.
“They are very clued up on the game and watch a lot of cricket and I have got a lot of respect for that. It takes quite a lot of dedication to come and watch championship cricket in the cold in April and September and they give the Bears great support.
“I have always appreciated that. There have been times when things haven’t gone our way and the fans get a little bit upset but I’d like to think I have given them, and been part of a team that has given them, some highs as well.”
Trott’ss future plans are still to be finalised – but he is very comfortable with that.
“I’m very happy with my decision to retire and am just looking forward to whatever comes next,” he said.
“I think you know when the time is right. The spark you need to play cricket day in and day out is proba
bly not there for me and if it’s not there any more it’s better to move over and let somebody else have a crack.
“It’s not so much the ending I am looking forward to but the start of new challenges to come. I have a few possible things lined up so we’ll see what happens, but I won’t be going far. I love Edgbaston and I love Birmingham and hopefully it will be my home forever.”
Kent will still join the Bears in the top tier next season but had to set- tle for runners-up spot after failing to deliver the fightback required after they were outclassed on the opening two days. Day three followed a similar pattern as Kent, trailing by 213 on first innings, resumed on 38 for one in the second and were bowled out for 179.
Warwickshire first-team coach Jim Troughton said: “There is a certain sadness about it because we are saying goodbye to Chris Wright and Keith Barker, who have been absolute legends at this club, and Jonathan Trott, who has done so much for this club and his country.
“It’s great that Trotty’s family were here to see the fantastic reaction from everyone towards him. It’s been a privilege to be alongside him with the Bears for so long.
“To walk away from this season not only promoted but with a trophy is only right for this group of players, who have worked incredibly hard. I am very proud of them.’’