Correcting drinking habits helped Trott rise

England batsman Jonathan Trott has said if he hadn't given up alcohol, "I don't think I'd be sitting here on Thursday," adding there were times when drinks made him "go nuts".

The 30-year-old South Africa born run-machine has become a mainstay of the England side since making a century on Test debut against Australia at The Oval in 2009 and, heading into the upcoming four-match series at home to India, boasts a stellar average of over 60.

Yet the Warwickshire right-hander, renowned for his methodical marking of the crease, believes that his international career may never have taken off if he hadn't banished the booze.

"I used to go nuts and it affected the image people had of me," Trott, not regarded as one of the more extrovert members of the England squad, told the August edition of the Cricketer magazine.

"It used to cloud my judgement, not just that night, but for days afterwards," he added.

"I still have the occasional beer or glass of wine but, when it comes to nights out, you probably won't find me around them."

There has long been a drinking culture associated with cricket and Trott said: "It can be quite tough but the guys in the team understand.

"In the past I'd have been at the front of the queue (for a drink). But I honestly don't think I'd be sitting here today if I did still drink."

Trott, now fourth in the ICC Test batting rankings, added: "My ambition was always to play international cricket, to test myself against the best.

"I want to be the best I can be, to constantly improve. (England coach) Andy (Flower) wouldn't let me rest on my laurels anyway."

And it is that desire, not economic considerations, that motivates Trott.

"If I still flew economy, had to carry my bags and didn't get paid as much, I'd still want to do it."

Although Trott's one-day international strike rate is 78.40 per 100 balls in 30 matches, he has still been criticised for slow scoring in the shorter format.

"It's something I'm working on with Andy and (England batting coach) Graham (Gooch). It's about weighing up the best option. Sometimes I err on the side of caution too much."