Jonathan Trott is ready to resume his fledgling England career in South Africa next month after returning from his honeymoon.
Rookie England batsman refreshed after honeymoon
Jonathan Trott is feeling refreshed and ready to resume his fledgling England career in South Africa next month after returning from his honeymoon in America.
The Warwickshire right-hander memorably hit a century on his debut as England secured the Ashes at the Oval earlier this year, making an incredible start to his Test career.
The South African-born batsman has made just one appearance for England since, against Ireland in a one-day international.
The 28-year-old's Ashes success came too late for him to be included in England's squad for their ODI series with Australia and the ensuing Champions Trophy.
Unwind
However, Trott believes his break from cricket and his late honeymoon have helped him to unwind ahead of the England tour of his homeland this winter.
"I have been away from the game for a bit which helps me relax. I have been away on my honeymoon actually," said Trott.
"We got married in April at the start of the season, but obviously with the cricket season we never got a chance to go away on honeymoon.
"We went over to the USA to San Francisco and Las Vegas. I'm really into my US sports so I got to catch the 49ers in San Francisco and watch the Yankees in a play-off game."
Trott returned from the Oval match to finish his season with Warwickshire before he took the time away and admits he was ready for the break.
"It's definitely good to get away. I had been playing non-stop for Warwickshire since the final Test so I didn't have much time to get away from cricket," he added.
"When I was younger I thought that the best way to be was to play and practice as much as you possibly could; get into the nets and hit balls. Now I realise it is good to get away and take some time out to relax. That can be just as important.
"But certainly by the time that October 31 comes around (when the England players meet before flying out to South Africa) I will be chomping at the bit to get back out there and hit some balls again."
Frosty
Fellow South African-born England batsman Kevin Pietersen received a frosty reception when the squad toured South Africa five years ago, with some home fans feeling that he had turned his back on his country of birth.
Trott, who featured in South Africa's Under-15 and Under-19 teams ahead of his move to England in 2002, is hoping he won't be the target of similar hostile behaviour, but says he will not let it affect him if he is.
"I have friends over in South Africa I have spoken to and they've said the feeling is I should be fine," said Trott.
"I certainly have no animosity towards South Africa and the way cricket has been run there and I don't think the cricket public there think badly of me for leaving.
"I'm not going to say I'm not expecting anything, it could happen. I can't change what the fans do or think, but whatever happens I will try not let it affect me."
When questioned if he felt any apprehension ahead of the upcoming tour in his homeland, Trott insisted he was completely focused on the game.
"I wouldn't say it is apprehension but more wanting to make sure that I take the chance," he added.
"While I am keen to do that I am also conscious of keeping in check my desire and to not get caught up in everything around being in the touring team.
"I don't want to worry about what is happening off the field and just focus on what I am doing."
