5 unsung heroes in the history of the Ashes

Jonathan Trott (2010-11)

Jonathan Trott

Jonathan Trott is one of the most elegant batsmen to have played for England. He scored heavily for Warwickshire which helped him gain a place in the deciding fifth Test against Australia in the 2009 Ashes. A superb 119 in the second innings on debut helped him earn a permanent spot in the Test side.

After regaining the urn at home in 2009, England were on their quest to win an Ashes down under in 2010 as they hadn’t won an Ashes in Australia since 1986-87.

England started the first Test badly as they conceded a 221-run lead after managing only 260 in the first innings. On the back of centuries of the top 3 batsmen, England avoided defeat. Trott who came into bat at 188-1 in the 2nd innings consolidated the start as England reached 517-1 with Trott scoring an unbeaten 135 in a 6-hour stay at the crease. He backed this knock with a stroke-filled 78 in the second Test. He failed to contribute in the third Test as England stumbled to a defeat.

However, Trott was back to his best in the fourth helping England retain the urn. He scored a majestic 168 not out helping England consolidate their position of strength by garnering a huge lead. Though his last innings of the series was a duck, he capped off a brilliant series scoring 445 runs at a superb average of 89.00.

Even with Trott's numbers, Cook, Pietersen, Anderson and Broad hogged most of the limelight. But it was Trott who scored consistently to help the visitors retain the urn.