Flower calls for 'good role models'

The tourists arrived in Alice Springs yesterday, following a controversial first Test in Brisbane, and will play a two-day fixture against a CA Chairman XI at Traegar Park without Jonathan Trott, who flew home on Sunday after England's 381-run defeat at the Gabba.

Trott, who is suffering from a stress-related illness, endured a torrid Test, twice dismissed cheaply by Mitchell Johnson in a match which featured England collapses in both innings. England's No.3 also had his batsmanship called into question by Australia opener David Warner, who described Trott's performance as "poor" and "weak".

A Test which was chiefly notable for Johnson's pace and bounce - and Australia's superiority - will also be remembered for angry exchanges between James Anderson and home captain Michael Clarke. The latter was subsequently fined almost £2000 by the International Cricket Council.

Flower made it clear, more than once, that Warner's remarks were not directly connected to the decision to fly Trott home, but he was not impressed either with the combative opener's public comments.

"I think there are standards of behaviour that individuals and teams must set themselves," said Flower. "The competition should be intense, but I think we need good leaders, who know where to draw the line, and they need to be good role models."

Trott's departure has inevitably created a more sombre mood, and Flower added: "I believe that the series can still be played in a good spirit, but there's a balance to be had, and we all have a responsibility to find that balance."

England wicketkeeper Matt Prior was dismayed to hear Warner criticising Trott. He wrote in his newspaper column: "Disrespecting individual players in press conferences, I find, is unacceptable - and as a team, we found it disappointing what David Warner said after play on Saturday.

"It is up to him how he talks, but there is a line not to cross as a player before you get into dangerous territory."

England and Wales Cricket Board managing director Hugh Morris has emphasised, meanwhile, his employers' determination to support any player who might experience the difficulties Trott has.

"Mental health is something you can suffer from, whether you're a cricketer or you're working in an office," he said. "That's why we've spent a lot of time, money and energy in making sure we work with the Professional Cricketers Association to have a network in place for our cricketers, as and when they need it."

Trott's troubles are an echo of those suffered previously by former England players Marcus Trescothick and Michael Yardy.

"I think we try to be as open as we possibly can about these issues," added Morris. "Yes, we've had issues in the past, and that's why we've set up the network we have, along with the PCA, to look after our players."

Trott's departure leaves England with an extra conundrum to solve in time for the second Test. Either Ian Bell or Joe Root is likely to move up to No.3, leaving a vacancy in the middle order which will have to be filled by Jonny Bairstow or one of uncapped pair Gary Ballance and Ben Stokes.

Chris Tremlett did not state a compelling case to be retained as England's third seamer for the second Test, and if Tim Bresnan can demonstrate his recovery from a stress fracture of the back in the Performance Programme's three-day match against Queensland 2nd XI in Brisbane, starting today, he may well be in the frame to return in Adelaide.

Either way, Flower acknowledges he faces a tough challenge to help England recover their composure and fight back in pursuit of a fourth successive Ashes series victory.

"Look, this was a bad loss for us," he said."But we have a history of adapting quickly and recovering from losses such as this. Luckily, they don't occur that often.

"The break in Alice Springs comes at a good time. It gives us a little chance to have a think about what happened at Brisbane and how to come back stronger and better in Adelaide. I'm looking forward to the challenge and I think the team will do likewise."