Jonathan Trott Sent Home from Ashes Series with Stress Related Illness

Jonathan Trott has left England's Ashes tour of Australia with an illness brought on from stress, according to reports.

Nick Hoult of The Telegraph suggests the struggling No. 3 will take a break from all forms of cricket for the "foreseeable future" and will play no further part in the current Ashes series. Trott clarified the situation with a brief discussion of his situation:

"

I don't feel right that I am playing knowing that I am not 100 per cent and I cannot currently operate at the level I have come to expect.

My priority now is to take a break from cricket so that I can focus on my recovery. I want to wish my team-mates all the best for the remainder of the tour.

"

The player's decision to leave comes in the aftermath of England's heavy defeat to the Baggy Greens in a frustrating first Test for the visitors.

He scored a total of 19 runs during his two innings and struggled to deal with the fast-paced threat of Mitchell Johnson, who twice claimed his wicket.

Trott was subsequently the victim of criticism from Australian opening batsman David Warner, who suggested his opponent's poor form was easily exploited by the hosts, as reported by Gideon Brooks of the Express:

"

The way Trotty got out today was pretty poor and pretty weak. Obviously there is a weakness there at the moment and we’re probably on top of it.

We’ve seen him work hard in the nets on the short ball, but if you are trying to face a 150kph (93mph) short ball from Mitchell Johnson, the way to go is not probably to back away.

I think he’s got to get new sledges as well because it’s not working for him.

"

England coach Andy Flower responded to Warner's comments and claimed the 27-year-old had no right to speak so bluntly about his opponent, reported by BBC Sport's Twitter account:

Warner has since confessed he overstepped a line with his behaviour, per BBC Sport:

"

I made those comments for a reason. [On Sunday] the bounce and pace got to them again. It is Ashes cricket - probably went a little bit too far with the comments.

"

Trott's departure adds to a difficult week for the England side. Having originally bowled the Aussies out for 295 during their first innings, the Three Lions quickly crumbled in the Brisbane heat.

England's first innings total of 136 and second innings score of 179 ensured Australia started their quest to regain the urn with a win of 381 runs, an immensely embarrassing start for Flower and his men.

A positive result is needed when England travel to the Adelaide Oval on Dec. 5.

The Three Lions cannot afford to go 2-0 down on foreign soil and must quickly tighten up their game if they are to challenge an Australian side who are rapidly growing in self-belief.

England now have plenty of time to dwell on the events of the past week, but Trott's health is of greater importance as he heads home.