Warner lets rip at 'weak and poor' Trott

Cricket365
November 23, 2013

Australia opening batsman David Warner, who scored a century on day three of the first Test in Brisbane, let rip at England's batsmen at stumps, saying they looked 'scared' of the Aussie fast bowlers.

Warner was particularly scathing about Jonathan Trott, who was out for nine while struggling against the short stuff from Mitchell Johnson and company. He was eventually caught at mid wicket off Johnson, swiping across the line.

At the close, England were on 24 for two and still 537 adrift, after Australia declared on 401 for seven. Warner's 124 and Michael Clarke's 113 formed the backbone of the hosts' innings, giving their bowlers added confidence to attack.

Warner said: "Our bowlers are bowling fast at the moment. England are on the back foot. It does look like they have scared eyes and the way Trotty got out was pretty poor and weak. Obviously there is a weakness there and we are on top of it.

"He [Trott] has also got to get new sledges as well because it is not working for him at the moment. He has worked hard in the nets on the short ball. When trying to face a 150kph short ball from Mitchell Johnson the way to go is not back away."

England fast bowler James Anderson defended his team-mate, saying Trott was perfectly capable of playing the short ball, despite Saturday's evidence to the contrary, and was working hard on getting his mindset right.

The paceman said: "[The problem] is something he is well aware of. He has worked really hard at it since he came over here. A guy like that does not average 50 in Test cricket because he can't play the short ball. We know he can.

"He is obviously having a difficult period at the moment and we know he has a lot of character and skill and enough to come out the other end.

"We have some great coaches in our team. It is down to him and our coaches to figure out a way of coming out the other end of this difficult period."