Ashes: Jonathan Trott puts Ashes form down to hard work
Fourth Ashes Test: Australia 98 v England 444-5 (stumps, day two) Venue: Melbourne Dates: 26-30 December Start time: 2330 GMT each day Coverage: Live on Test Match Special on BBC 5 live sports extra, Radio 4 LW & online; TMS highlights online (UK only) and day's review on the TMS podcast; live text on BBC Sport website; live on Sky Sports 1; highlights on ITV4
Trott averages more than 90 in Test matches against Australia
England batsman Jonathan Trott has attributed his superb Ashes form to an almost obsessive attitude to practice.
The 29-year-old's third hundred in five Tests against Australia spurred England to 444-5 after two days in Melbourne, a lead of 346 over the hosts.
"I work hard," Trott, who is 141 not out, told BBC Sport. "The guys rib me about enjoying batting too much and always being the last out of the nets.
"But I'm just happy to contribute to the boys being in a good position."
Trott came to the crease early on day two after England had lost openers Alastair Cook and Andrew Strauss in quick succession.
Playing with characteristic patience and determination, he batted throughout the rest of the day, guiding England towards a position of total supremacy as they look to secure the victory that would retain the Ashes.
"I just try to adapt to all situations," Trott told Test Match Special. "It wasn't the quickest of wickets so it wasn't a day for big cover drives.
"A few went past the edge but luckily for me I didn't get an edge on them.
"I think it's important I don't over-rev when I'm batting and try to look to over-hit the ball.
"I try to be calm and patient and play my natural game, which is to obviously just accumulate here and there and let the other guys hit the boundaries and sixes."
Trott's innings was not entirely without incident.
He was floored by a Ben Hilfenhaus delivery which he deflected on to his knee cap - later describing it as one of the most painful sensations in his life - and only a full-length dive saved him from getting run out by Ricky Ponting.
"I should probably have given a bit more respect to Ricky Ponting's arm," said Trott. "It was a good innings to save obviously to get in and kick on in the way I have."
Trott was also at the non-striker's end when Ponting became embroiled in an ugly row with umpire Aleem Dar after an unsuccessful review of a not out decision against Kevin Pietersen.
"I don't really know much about what was going on, I was talking to KP the whole time," said Trott. "I didn't see any altercation really. I saw (Ponting) chatting but I'm not sure what about."
Trott announced himself in Test cricket with a match-winning 119 on his debut to help England seal the Ashes at the Oval in 2009.
He made an unbeaten 135 in the first Test in Brisbane and 78 in the Adelaide victory.
Monday's century at the MCG has lifted his Ashes average to 96.33 and his overall Test average to a shade under 63 from 17 matches.
Trott said he had taken a leaf out of the book of Australia's Mike Hussey, whose batting brilliance has been a rare highlight for the home side in this series.
"Michael Hussey has three hundreds in five Tests as well and I've been watching him bat quite a lot," he added. "I'm just trying to do the best I can and hopefully win games."
Victory would give England a 2-1 lead in the series with only one match to play, but Trott is warning against writing off Australia prematurely.
"We all know that the Australian team, like we saw the last Test match, have some good players," he said. "There's plenty more for us left to be done in this Test match."
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