‘Franchise cricket isn’t as rewarding’: Jonathan Trott on Lions pride and England ambitions

The Guardian Sport · 10/10/2026, 7:00:51 AM

Former Test batter and Afghanistan coach is taking the Lions abroad and is telling his players to ‘be smart’ Jonathan Trott pretty much entered Ashes folklore from the outset, scoring a series-winning century on his Test debut at the Oval back in 2009. Less spoken about, but just as relevant to the latest move in his upwardly mobile coaching career, is the first time he pulled on an England shirt two years earlier. Drafted into the Twenty20 side for a low-key home series against West Indies, Trott knew only Ian Bell from Warwickshire and, out of his comfort zone, walked away with scores of nine and two. The difference two years on? Playing cricket in the finishing school of the Lions setup that he has recently taken charge of. Continue reading...