Trott hits the ground running with century

JONATHAN Trott believes he has done all he can to book his place in England's side for the first Test against Bangladesh but admits he is not sure where he might be asked to bat.

The 28-year-old put behind him the disappointment of being edged out of the limited-overs side by Craig Kieswetter to strike 101 before retiring on day two of the warm-up match against Bangladesh A.

His efforts helped England to 281 for seven declared, before James Tredwell struck twice in the hosts' 131 for three, a lead of 52.

It was a decisive statement from Trott on his first knock since arriving in the country and should be enough to lock down a spot in team director Andy Flower's first XI on Friday.

"I'm pretty pleased with how it went," said the Warwickshire batsman. "It was important for me to stay positive and to make the best of my chance when it came.

"Every chance you get for England is a good opportunity and one you need to take. I definitely feel I've given myself the best chance going into the Test.

"With a little more work in the nets, I think I can hopefully reach top form for that match."

While his selection now seems likely, his position in the order is less obvious. Michael Carberry was chosen as batting cover when Andrew Strauss opted out of the trip and, as a left-handed opener, is a like-for-like replacement for the resting captain.

But, with competition for places strong, Trott has emerged as a potential first-timer at the top of the order. "I don't know too much about that (the likely batting order]," he said. "No-one's said anything, we've only really talked about this match, but, any opportunity, whether it's batting three (or opening], is good."

Trott burst onto the international scene in the most dazzling of fashions, with an Ashes-winning century on his debut, but endured a comparatively lean time in the South Africa Test series before ceding his ODI place to Kieswetter. Now the Cape Town-born player is hoping to put those experiences to good use in the future.

"I want to be able to contribute to a successful England side," he added. "Long tours are valuable experience, learning how to perform for the full tour. That is something I'll look back on and use to my advantage, hopefully for a long time, to help the side."

England resume in the field today looking for seven quick wickets and a modest chase if they are to secure victory against Mohammad Ashraful's team.

The match's first-class status was ended when the injured Syed Rasel was replaced by Mahbubul Alam at the start of play, while England opted to give reserve wicketkeeper Steven Davies a chance behind the stumps in the second innings.