Jonathan Trott uncertain of Kent future but embracing the fluidity of a new start

NICK HOWSON: The former England batsman is embarking on the start of his coaching career - but is unconcerned if opportunities are sporadic

A meticulous cricketer who paid acute attention to preparation in his pomp, Jonathan Trott is not finding the new feeling of the unknown to be anything approaching uncomfortable.

For perhaps the first time in the 37-year-old's career in professional cricket there is a degree of uncertainty over what lies next.

Trott is currently helping out Matt Walker at Kent, with assistant coach Allan Donald suffering from a shoulder injury, for the duration of the One-Day Cup - just months after calling it a day at Warwickshire.

But thanks to the 50-over tournament being condensed and sidelined due to the World Cup, that'll keep him with last year's runners-up for no more than 40 days.

And due to a start to the competition which has included heavy defeats to Hampshire, Somerset and Sussex, that tenure could last barely three weeks with a quarter-final place already looking unlikely.

During 15 years at Warwickshire and 52 Tests with England, Trott was always sure of his next step. Finally broken from the shackles of his professional career, he is understandably unperturbed by the lack of assurances.

^{Trott left Warwickshire in September after 15 years at the county}

"I've not even thought about it, not spoken about it so we'll have to see what happens," Trott told The Cricketer when asked about life after Kent, which could end as early as May 7.

"I'll just see. I think Allan's shoulder is getting better and we'll see what happens. I haven't thought of it that way.

"It has to suit both parties. Kent is a good club. We'll have to see how it all plays out and what Kent want to do."

A creature of habit both with a bat in hand and during his county career, having spent every ball of his English first-class spell at Edgbaston it is a perversely unstructured approach to life just months after his retirement.

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But naturally, an intermittent start to a career path which could again lead him down similar corridors which led to his England career unravelling is healthy. In fact, breaking out a routine has been key to enjoying his start in coaching.

"It has been great," he explained in the Beckenham sunshine after the seven-wicket loss to Sussex, who worked with the England Lions in India during the winter.

"Also to have a break from cricket, that's the most important thing that we have a bit of a break and that you don't jump into something full time that you're unsure of."

Trott is understood to be highly regarded and other offers did come through before Kent came calling. But even a proposition from the green grass of home at Warwickshire may not have altered his thinking.

^{The 37-year-old is now adapting to life on the other side of the dressing room}

"I played a lot there and got some good experience I like seeing cricket from other perspectives, other counties and how they go about their business and operate," he added.

"It is always interesting. It adds to your coaching CV and experience and something you can grow with. 

"I think that it is good to get away from something that is very comfortable. I know the surroundings. It is good to be tested in new surroundings.

"I am passionate about my coaching. I am really ambitious with it as well so I am very thankful and appreciative of it. Cricket changes so quickly you have no idea what is happening and the opportunities that arise."

^{With nine England centuries, Trott has a fountain of knowledge to draw upon}

With matches coming thick and fast - Kent are back in action at Gloucestershire on Tuesday - Trott is being selective with the advice he is passing on Kent's batsmen to ensure he does not scramble minds.

Matt Renshaw is among those who could benefit from the veteran of nine Test centuries. Somewhat bizarrely the Australian could yet take such advice into the Ashes should he force his way into the reckoning - meaning Trott could even indirectly contribute to England's demise.

"He is a very good player, an attacking player so he is certainly one for the future," stated Trott. "I didn't realise how young he actually is. 

"Sometimes players the lured to play in the IPL and all those leagues around the world. It is good to see that he is here to play county cricket and learn about his game and try and get better and better.

"Australia have got their two senior world-class players back [Steve Smith and David Warner] so there is a queue for the batting line-up. We'll have to see what happens. He's going to have to score a lot of runs and hopefully, that'll be good for Kent."