The Ashes: Unflappable Mr Trott is modest, too

He may have scored his third century in five tests against Australia, but for the unflappable Mr Trott his remarkable record against the old enemy is nothing out of the ordinary. He did though have to concede that his innings in the fourth Ashes test, would be one to "savour".

Amid all the sound and fury, the single-minded Trott remained unmoved as he assembled the innings that ensured England retained the Ashes. What did he make of the Ricky Ponting episode? He paid no attention, mind firmly set on making runs, and more runs. What was the atmosphere like in the middle as controversy heaped upon controversy? "I didn't really hear any verbals," said Trott.

And what about your innings, and your record against Australia? "I don't think it's anything about batting against Australia in particular," he said. "I've played five games against Mike Hussey, and he's also scored three hundreds ... you might also have to ask him why he likes batting against England."

Trott walked off the MCG at the end of day two accompanied by a test average of 62.92 - only Don Bradman stood above him on the all-time list - and a fifth century in 29 test innings. "It's just one of those things, very fortunate, and I worked pretty hard on my game with everyone else in the team," said Trott. "Just happy to build a contribution, I suppose.

"This is definitely an important test match and one I'll savour. They're all pretty special. But Boxing Day, with the hype around it and the support from the English fans, it would definitely be right up there."

Trott survived one scare on 49 when a desperate dive saw him narrowly home - according to the third umpire - before Ricky Ponting's shy shattered the stumps. Otherwise on he went, batting in the same manner that has characterised his test career from the moment he made his hundred on his debut last year, against Australia.

"I think it's important I don't over-rev when I'm batting or try to look to over-hit the ball," stated Trott of his studied approach. "Be calm and be nice and patient and learn to play my natural game, which is to obviously just accumulate and let the other guys hit the sixes."

He had one other moment of notable discomfort when he edged a ball from Ben Hilfenhaus on to his knee, a wincing blow that left him limping through part of the final session. He said: "It was one of the most painful things I've felt in my life. I asked for the runner to put the pads on and see how it went. I gave it 20 minutes to see if it stiffened up. That will teach me for inside-edging it."

Trott is not one of life's risk takers so his summary of the match was a natural attempt to rein in expectations. "We all know that the Australian team have some good players," he said.

- INDEPENDENT