De Villiers warns slow-motion Trott
England batsman Jonathan Trott could get into trouble if he persists
in taking too long to face up to the bowlers, South Africa's AB de
Villiers warned here on Sunday.
Trott's slow, deliberate routine prior to taking guard was
highlighted by South African captain Graeme Smith after the first Test
in Centurion and Trott was booed by the Kingsmead crowd on the second
day of the second Test on Sunday.
He finished the day with 17 not out in an England total of 103 for
one.
"The umpires are aware of it and Graeme is dealing with it," said De
Villiers of Trott's routine, which sometimes means he is not ready to
face when the bowlers are set to start their run-ups.
"It is very frustrating. Our bowlers have their rhythms. It's a
tactic that might get him into trouble soon."
De Villiers said the umpires had spoken to Trott - "and Graeme is
talking to Trotty as well".
Asked whether the Smith-Trott exchanges were on or off the field, De
Villiers said they had happened on the field.
England off-spin bowler Graeme Swann defended Trott and said his
routine was the same as it was in county cricket.
"He's done it every year when I have bowled against him. It's just
Trotty. It's the way he plays. He's very organised and he's got a very
clear game plan."
DURBAN, South Africa, Monday (AFP) |