28 May 2013

Trott defends England game plan

6:09 pm on 28 May 2013

The England batsman Jonathan Trott has defended some cautious tactics from the team in the second and final test against New Zealand.

They did not enforce the follow-on and delayed declaring until the Black Caps required an improbable 468 to win.

New Zealand closed day four on 158 for six but with heavy rain expected tonight, the tourists may escape with a draw.

Trott has been criticised by former England batsman Geoffrey Boycott for his negative approach when he scored only 11 runs off 69 balls.

Boycott suggested England's manner of play was motivated by a desire for batting practice before the Ashes series in July.

But Trott thinks they got it just right and achieved the total they wanted, and he says England were right not to let weather dictate how they play.