Trott for the Ashes?

I wouldn't back against Jonathan Trott batting at number three for England in the Ashes this summer.

Trott was assured by Geoff Miller before Christmas that he is still in the selectors' thoughts and has since scored heavily for England Lions in New Zealand. In two 'Tests' against New Zealand A, he scored 138no, 75no, 7 and 51, batting for ten hours and 48 minutes. Above all, England need a crease occupier.

After suffering an acute dose of Batchitis in 2007, Trott recovered to bat very well throughout 2008 and continues to build a case to fill for that troublesome number three position in the national team.

Trott's credibility as an all-rounder did take a bit of a knock in the second match against New Zealand A though. Chasing 457, the Kiwis were hanging on at the end with just one wicket to fall. Trott was entrusted with the ball - interestingly, above the likes of Sajid Mahmood and Liam Plunkett - but failed to dislodge the Kiwis' number 11 despite bowling more than an over at him.

That number 11? Christopher Stewart Martin!