NZ domestic team chief reveals how Trott helped improve Otago's fortunes

Otago Cricket Association boss Ross Dykes has said that he is saddened to hear of Jonathan Trott's Ashes tour-ending illness, who once played for the New Zealand domestic side.

According to Stuff.co.nz, it was with the Otago Volts where Trott announced himself to many on the cricket stage before he moved onto play for England.

Then Volts coach Mike Hesson recruited Trott to play in Dunedin during the 2005-06 season, the report said.

He was one of the best in the New Zealand domestic scene that season, scoring 455 runs at an average of 91 in the one-day competition and 275 runs at an average of 39.28 in the four-day competition, the report added.

As a result of his performances he won the State Medal at the time for the best domestic player in New Zealand, the report further said.

Dykes credited Trott as one of the key figures in helping turn around the fortunes of Otago cricket, according to the report.

Dykes added that Trott's problems were another indication that many people probably underestimated the demands on cricketers to maintain themselves at the top level, the report mentioned.