Warner’s comments on Trott ‘disrespectful’, says Flower

England team director Andy Flower said David Warner got it “horribly wrong” when he publicly criticised England batsman Jonathan Trott, who yesterday left the Ashes tour with a stress-related illness.

Flower was at pains to point out that Warner, describing Trott as “pretty poor and weak” during the first Test at the Gabba, had not contributed to the illness which Trott has been struggling with for some time, but said the comments were “disrespectful” and demonstrated why it was important to show sensitivity when commenting on opponents.

Warner, speaking prior to the news of Trott’s departure, said his comments “probably went a little bit too far” but said they were just “good banter”.

Flower said: “Jonathan has had his ups and downs through the month and [his departure] is not directly related to [Warner’s comments].

“I would also say that I think players commenting about fellow professionals in the media is disrespectful. I think on this occasion he has got that horribly wrong. I think we set different standards to that and one of the reasons we don’t like commenting about opposition players is because we don’t know what is going on in their dressing room, or their private lives.”

Trott said he had to leave, for his own good and that of the team.

“I don’t feel it is right that I’m playing, knowing I’m not 100% and I cannot operate at the level I have done in the past “My priority now is to take a break from cricket so that I can focus on my recovery.”

After hearing on Trott’s departure, Australia coach Darren Lehmann tweeted: “I wish Johnathon Trott a speedy recovery from a tough situation”

England’s heavy first Test defeat increases the pressure to get a result when they travel to Adelaide.