England batsman Jonathan Trott has dismissed calls from South Africa captain Graeme Smith for him to speed up his preparation at the crease.

Trott helped England draw the first Test with a stubborn second-innings 69 from 212 deliveries but riled Smith with his preparation before each ball.

"I'm all for a batter taking their time but when a bowler has to keep stopping it's frustrating," said Smith.

However, Trott retorted: "I won't be trying to do anything different."

Trott stood firm for over five hours before Paul Collingwood and number 11 Graham Onions batted out the final overs as England held on for a draw in the first Test in Centurion.

Smith has been irked by Trott's time-consuming rituals before each ball was bowled and informed the match umpires of his aggravation more than once over the continued crease-scratching and fidgeting.

"It's been a constant thing throughout the one-dayers and the Tests," added Smith.

606: DEBATE England's draw owes alot to the innings of Jonathan Trott. This lad is impressive and is the best no.3 batsman England have had for years MUFC London Red Devils

"It's not something we are going to lose sleep over, but it's a second here and there for him to make a better effort to improve the pace of the game - which is what everyone wants."

Trott and his fellow South Africa-born England batsman Kevin Pietersen shared a crucial stand of 145 which ate up just enough time for England to hold on for a draw with nine wickets down.

And the 28-year-old was unrepentant about the style in which he helped England to the draw.

"I've never really had any complaints before," stated Trott, who hit seven boundaries in 316 minutes.

"It's one of those things I do to get myself prepared and make sure I'm in the right frame of mind to help contribute to the England side."

I gave it my all and enjoyed the whole experience - and look forward to a few more, I hope Jonathan Trott

Trott was delighted to provide such an important contribution but stressed he had not been trying to put the South African bowlers off.

"I don't play cricket to get under people's skin - I play cricket to be effective," he explained.

"I have my things I do to get myself ready for battle.

"Maybe it can mess with their over rate or whatever, but it's just what I do - and I won't be changing it.

"It's what's got me to this position to be able to play for England - and it's an exciting time."

England will face South Africa in the second Test in Durban, which starts on Boxing Day and Trott is keen to continue his fine form.

"You always wonder what it will feel like if one day you have the opportunity to play a Test match back in South Africa," he said.

"I gave it my all and enjoyed the whole experience - and look forward to a few more, I hope."

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