‘I don’t feel my game is at the level you need’: Jonathan Trott retires from England duty

Jonathan Trott announced his retirement from international cricket late Monday, saying his return to England simply hadn't worked out.

England's Jonathan Trott shown during the third Test against West Indies on Sunday. Ricardo Mazalan / AP / May 3, 2015

Jonathan Trott expressed his gratitude and reflected on the "honour" of playing for England on Monday evening after announcing his international retirement.

The 34-year-old was recalled for the tour of the West Indies for the first time since leaving the 2013/14 Ashes trip due to a situational anxiety condition, but found runs tough to come by in the Caribbean – his six innings against the Windies brought three ducks, two more single-figure scores and just a solitary half-century.

He confirmed in a statement on Monday that he was quitting the England scene, and later took to Twitter to add: “I would like to thank everybody who has helped me represent England over the years, it has been an honour.”

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 it had not paid off.

“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,” the Warwickshire batsman 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.”

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.

“It has been an absolute honour to play alongside Trotty in every one of his 52 Tests,” Cook said.

“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.”

Some of Trott’s former international teammates were also quick to pay tribute to the retiring batsman on Twitter.

Kevin Pietersen posted: “You can be so proud of your England career, @Trotty! It was an absolute pleasure batting at 4 behind you & batting with you! #runmachine”

Former England captain Paul Collingwood wrote: “You’ve literally left your mark on every Test pitch around the world @Trotty A leg stump trench!! Well done on a great career mate #Trott”

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