5 Aug 2009

Trott selection not a slight on local players says England cricket coach

4:29 pm on 5 August 2009

England coach Andy Flower insists the shock call-up of South Africa born batsman Jonathan Trott to the squad for the fourth Ashes cricket Test here at Headingley isn't another slight on local players.

Last year the England selectors were widely criticised for picking Australia-born seamer Darren Pattinson for a test against South Africa.

Pattinson now seems destined to be a 'one-cap wonder', having not played for England since.

The uncapped Trott, has been drafted in as a potential sixth batsman should Andrew Flintoff's right knee injury rule the all-rounder out.

But Flower, himself a former Zimbabwe batsman and wicket-keeper, says he has no qualms about picking Trott, qualifies for England through his father.