• The Ashes

Warner's Trott comments unacceptable - Prior

Matt Prior has backed Jonathan Trott's Ashes exit © PA Photos

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Matt Prior has labelled David Warner's public criticism of Jonathan Trott as unacceptable, after the England batsman flew home from the Ashes tour with a stress-related illness.

Trott left the England camp on Monday, two days after Warner called him "poor and weak" for his performance at the crease in the first Test. Warner admitted he went "a little bit too far" with his comments, which had drawn condemnation from England captain Alastair Cook and coach Andy Flower, and now Prior has also blasted the Australian in his column for the Daily Telegraph.

"Ashes cricket is hard fought. There are always going to be words exchanged on the pitch. The important thing is that it stays on the pitch," said Prior.

"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.

"When you are on the pitch sledging is always going to happen and there will be battles. Personally I enjoy that fight. It is Ashes cricket and it would not be the same without it.

"But you have to be careful when it comes to saying things in the media. We have a responsibility as international cricketers to be respectful of each other as fellow professional sportsmen."

Trott's exit has been backed by former England players Marcus Trescothick and Steve Harmison, who both admitted to having suffered from similar ordeals during their time on tour.

"There are things in life bigger than sport and Jonathan Trott's stress-related illness is a reminder that cricket is just a game," added Prior.

"He means a lot to all of us and we hope he gets well soon. I am sure he will be back and fighting fit for England again."

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