SYDNEY, (Reuters) – Jonathan Trott believes everything is coming together for England a week before they embark on their bid for a fourth successive Ashes triumph in Brisbane.
Trott, Alastair Cook and Kevin Pietersen all scored half centuries as England’s batsmen made the most of the Sydney sunshine on the second day of their final warm-up yesterday.
Opener Michael Carberry, who looks set to make his Ashes debut next week, was dismissed for just four but thereafter it was a good day for the tourists, who reached the close of play on 302 for five against an Invitational XI.
Pace bowler Steve Finn had earlier ended up with five for 103 as the Australians were dismissed for 304 before lunch, pressing his claim to be England’s third seamer at the Gabba.
“Everyone has got a few runs but you’re not going to know exactly what nick you’re in until you’re in front of 50,000 at Brisbane,” Trott told reporters.
“It’s more about getting mentally prepared for that… being a tight knit unit, everyone firing, not just the batters but the bowlers and the fielding.
“We’ve looked good in the field here as well, so everything seems to be coming together.”
After Carberry’s departure, Cook and Trott enjoyed a long period out in the middle on a good Sydney Cricket Ground wicket, putting on 143 for the second wicket before both were caught behind as a result of loose shots.
Trott, who had averaged just 27 in the first Ashes series of the year in England, was unhappy with the manner of his dismissal and ruefully bit his bat as he made way back to the dressing room with 83 runs to his name.
“As a cricketer, you have pride and you want to go out there and do well every time,” Trott added.
“I felt I was in good form and played at a ball I shouldn’t have, I was disappointed. Today, I made a mistake and paid for it.”
Cook accumulated 81 before making way for Ian Bell, who joined Pietersen at the crease and the pair both survived early scares before taking the game to the bowlers.
EXOTIC SHOTS
Bell smashed 35 of 45 balls but it was Pietersen who really caught the eye, playing conservatively for 45 minutes or so before cutting lose with a full repertoire of extravagant shots.
