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However, drawing on his experience in his playing career, Trott said it was right for his players to enjoy their success. “I’m very careful not to discourage things or ask them to focus on the next game,” Trott said. “I know from my career and experience, I didn’t have enough fun or enjoy the moments [like these].
“I would definitely say to the guys: Enjoy tonight, spend some time together, and do whatever you want.” “Once we land in Chennai, within 12 to 18 hours, we move on to the next match and get back to work. It is important that you celebrate your wins, because they are very difficult and always a big challenge.
“We have to move forward very quickly…but I think it’s important for the guys to enjoy it. But also, [that they] Evaluate and realize when they get a certain amount of things in 50 or 100 overs, what they can achieve and the level of teams they can put under pressure, compete with and win cricket matches.
Trott said his players benefited from the experience of playing with and against England players in the leagues, realizing that despite their status as world champions, they were also “human beings”. “They get to know the ins and outs of each player, so there’s that familiarity and trust as well,” he said.
“Sometimes, I think when you see big countries in the Test stage, you get a lot of respect. When you play with players like that, you see that they are human beings, and you have the right to win or do well. [as they are]…That’s the beauty of the World Cup, isn’t it? This is what cricket is all about.
“I’m very happy with the players. The things we talked about as a side, we agreed if we do these things right, we can compete with anyone in the world. These guys work incredibly hard. “I really like them. They will see the rewards, and this will encourage them to go further.”
“Men don’t play just for cricket. Men are very aware of the things and hardships that some people go through due to natural disaster, and for various other reasons.”
Jonathan Trott
Trott also acknowledged the bigger picture of Afghanistan’s victory. Last weekend, more than 1,000 people were killed and many more injured in an earthquake that struck the west of the country. Players wore black armbands in memory of the victims during their defeat to India on Wednesday, and many players donated heavily to relief efforts.
“It’s not just cricket that men play,” Trott said. “Guys are very aware of the things and hardships that some people go through due to natural disaster, and for various other reasons. If this can put a smile on the faces of people anywhere in the world, but also encourage boys and girls to pick up a cricket bat or a cricket ball and start playing Cricket wherever they are in Afghanistan, that is the goal achieved.
“It’s a lot of fun. There’s a lot of confidence that hopefully comes from this when competing against top nations and it will have a knock-on effect on all the other matches – not just this World Cup, but for the future as well.” Good. [It shows] This is what cricket can achieve in Afghanistan… We are not afraid of anyone. “Every game we are here to play, and we are here to win.”
Matt Roller is an associate editor at ESPNcricinfo. @mroller98
