Stuart Broad has revealed it is ‘heartbreaking’ to lose Jonathan Trott from England’s Ashes tour of Australia, but he insisted the team will improve.
The 27-year-old right-arm seam bowler broke his silence on Trott’s return to England from Down Under because of a stress-related illness.
The long-established number three in England’s batting order endured a difficult Test with just 19 runs from his two innings as the tourists were well beaten by 381 runs at the Gabba in Brisbane. But Broad is in no doubt that Trott’s absence will be sorely felt by the remaining squad members as they look to bounce back in the second Test in Adelaide from December 5.
He said: “It’s heartbreaking for us to lose Trotty. He’s been part of the side for four or five years – he’s a fantastic guy. He gave us a lot of solidity in the number three spot.
“But the important thing is he’s got the support of the changing room he’s played with for 49 Tests. Everyone’s looking out for him, and he gets a bit of privacy at home to get himself right.
“We wish him very well from Australia here.”
Despite the poor display in Brisbane, Trott is confident that England have the quality and experience in the squad to come back strongly in the remaining four Test matches as they bid to claim the Ashes urn for a fourth successive series.
“Adelaide will be a huge Test match, to get back into the series, but we have confidence and experience we can do that,” added Broad.
“We have a group of players who are strong. They know when they’ve made mistakes and (need to) put them right.”
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