Former England batsman Marcus Trescothick ready to help Jonathan Trott

Ashes-winning opener says he knows enough about stress-related illness to be able to talk to South Africa-born top-order player.

Jonathan Trott was to make a return to competitive cricket before announcing he was going to take another break. Greg Wood / AFP

LONDON // Marcus Trescothick, the former England opener, has said he is willing to help Jonathan Trott in his struggle with a stress-related illness after a similar condition ended his international career.

Trott, who made a brief comeback after returning home following England’s opening loss in a 5-0 Ashes reverse in Australia, announced he was bowing out of both Warwickshire and international duty with immediate effect after suffering a relapse in his condition.

South Africa-born Trott came under fire from the likes of former England captain Michael Vaughan when, during a television interview last month, he said he had been suffering from “burn out”.

That led Vaughan to suggest Trott, twice dismissed cheaply by Australia paceman Mitchell Johnson in the first Test in Brisbane, had technical difficulties playing fast bowling rather than more severe mental health problems.

But Somerset batsman Trescothick was more sympathetic, having pulled out of England’s 2006/07 Ashes tour when he too suffered with a stress-related illness.

“I’ve spoken to him on a few occasions just to try and help, as someone who has been through exactly the same situation, coming back from Australia,” Trescothick said on Saturday.

“I can understand it. I know how it all works. Whether we cross paths and talk a few more times over the course of the year and during games, or wherever it may be, then great.”

Trott came under fire from some quarters after saying he feared being regarded as a “nutcase” and “crazy” for his decision to quit the Ashes tour after just one Test.

But Trescothick was adamant Trott had meant no offence towards the mentally ill.

“I didn’t have a problem with what he said. People picked up on words and it was taken at the wrong time and the wrong moment,” Trescothick said.

“We have to allow him the fact that he’s the one going through it, he’s going through tough times and he has to work it out himself.”

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