Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Mohsin Shaikh
Afghanistan's stunning win over Sri Lanka on October 30, during the ICC World Cup 2023, marked their third triumph in the tournament. Impressively, they have defeated the defending World champions England alongside Pakistan
Currently, Afghanistan team is 5th in the points table right below India, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia, with hopes of even qualifying for the semi-finals of the tournament. Afghanistan team can also qualify for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025 if they can finish above 8th position in the ICC World Cup 2023
The cricketing world is taking note of Afghanistan's remarkable performance in 2023. It signifies a substantial shift in Afghan cricket, showcasing that their success is not a mere fluke but a consistent leap in the right direction. However, the force behind this transformation is not just the team but also the Afghanistan's Coach, Jonathan Trott, who has provided substantial training and knowledge of the game as well as right mentality to win big matches
Jonathan Trott, originally hailing from South Africa, emerged as a notable figure in the world of cricket in 2008. While representing England in international cricket, he showcased his exceptional skills as a right-handed top-order batsman and an occasional medium-pace bowler
Jonathan Trott's cricketing prowess earned him the prestigious titles of ICC and ECB Cricketer of the Year in 2011, underlining his significance on the global cricketing stage
Jonathan Trott marked his entry into international cricket with a splendid century during the 2009 Ashes series at The Oval, a game that played a crucial role in England's series triumph
Jonathan Trott faced a distressing phase during the 2013-14 Ashes series in Australia. He abruptly departed from the series due to mounting mental health issues, with limited understanding and support from the system
Jonathan Trott opened up about his mental health challenges in a recent Sky Sports Cricket Podcast. He described a growing sense of dread towards the game he had cherished throughout his life, which began during the home Ashes of 2013-14
Following an illustrious England career, Jonathan Trott announced his retirement from international cricket on May 4, 2015, bringing an end to a remarkable journey where he amassed nearly 4,000 runs in 52 Tests, maintaining an impressive average of 44.08
After his retirement, Jonathan Trott shared a crucial message for current players. He stressed the importance of seeking face-to-face help for those battling mental health problems, emphasizing the significant impact it can have on their well-being. Trott has been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, openly sharing his personal struggles
With his wealth of cricketing knowledge and experience, Jonathan Trott's transition from player to coach was a natural progression, awaited by many cricket enthusiasts. Trott now shoulders the pivotal role of coaching the Afghanistan cricket team. His guidance has been instrumental in their recent successes, marking a new chapter in his career
During the chase against Sri Lanka, Jonathan Trott employed a strategic plan, setting run-rate targets in 10-over increments on a whiteboard in the dressing room. The Afghan bowlers, led by Fazalhaq Farooqi, secured the final eight Sri Lankan wickets for 107 runs, limiting them to 241. Trott's approach aimed to maintain an average run rate of around five runs per over, with milestones set at 50 after 10 overs, 100 after 20, 150 after 30, and 200 after 40, targeting victory within 48 overs
Jonathan Trott's journey from being a linchpin in England's batting lineup to coaching a national side is a testament to his resilience and determination. The challenges of leading a new team bring a fresh dimension to his cricketing legacy, a chapter he continues to write with Afghanistan's cricketing future in mind