England 'withdraws into shell' ahead of Adelaide Test following 'shock' Trott exit

England has reportedly seemed to have withdrawn into a 'shell' barring some outlets, and has refused to talk to journalists following the shock departure of batsman Jonathan Trott and the relentless taunts from parts of the media.

The squad flew to Alice Springs in Adelaide where it will play a two-day game against a Chairman's XI and attempt to regroup after the news that its number three batsman has had to return home with a stress-related condition.

According to News.com.au, England players are aware that the 381-run loss in the first Test in Brisbane has them on the back foot in the series they expected to win following which the team snubbed reporters keen to question them on the impact of Trott's unfortunate exit before their arrival at Alice Springs.

The report mentioned that batsman Kevin Pietersen, who had his headphones on, kept on saying repeatedly that he 'cannot hear you mate' on being asked about Trott, while captain Alastair Cook just shook his head and refused to speak like other members of the side.

The team has also banned a local radio station from interviews after it organised planes to fly over the ground with banners sledging Pietersen.

Australia, by contrast, is enjoying a respite from the scrutiny of the media after having been blasted for its poor performance in the past two series following their commanding win in Brisbane, the report added.