With the news filtering through via the BBC world news service that the high pressure world of international cricket had sadly claimed another victim, the early tour departure of England batsman Jonathan Trott with a stress related illness, again throws into focus the stresses of a continuous cricket schedule under the increasing 'Ashes' press fervour. More on that later.

Coming back across the world, and to the end of my Chilean adventure, I will leave with some fond memories and numerous surprises. The biggest surprise being that cricket is getting a real foothold among the indigenous youth up and down this vast thin strip of land in South America.

Dominated by the imposing Andes mountain range running down the eastern fringe of the country, Chile is a land of contrasts. There is something quite surreal about coaching cricket in the 30 degree heat of the Santiago sunshine, whilst high on these brooding mountain tops, the local city population escapes the high levels of air pollution by taking advantage of the last heavy falls of winter snow.

Like many places around the world, you may be forgiven for thinking that that cricket out here belongs to the expat communities. Asian businessmen, Australians, heading up some of the biggest mining industries across the region, as well as nationalities from around the world teaching in the many high class English schools. On first viewing that would certainly seem to be the case; but delve a little deeper and those first impressions are challenged. Hop on a coach as I did, travel south for five hours through the plentiful vineyards and beautiful, bountiful farm land, you will reach a charming mid size town called Chillan (Chee - yan).

In 2010 this quiet town found itself too close to the epicentre of a massive earthquake. Measuring 8.8 on the Richter scale, Chillan was razed to the ground. It was here however, that the rubble had been cleared away and that the roots of cricket had begun to flourish and spread. Through the amazing efforts of two people; a local Chilean lady called Alessandra, a school teacher who learnt to love the game despite not having a word of English, and an Aussie named Craig, the children around this town have been slowly introduced to the game.Even this peculiarity doesn't tell the whole story, for within this small group of Chilean cricketers are two cousins, the eldest of which, Nelson (I shall resist the temptation to say that he has a good arm ball), learned to bowl watching Alan Donald on "You Tube"

Similar locations around the country are now awakening to the sound of leather on willow. From Iquique, high up in the Atacama desert to the north, south through La Serena and Vina del Mar, and Concepcion, enough groundwork has been done to consider holding matches between schools and regions and a lucky few can then go on to represent their country at various age levels.

As in other countries, the progress and survival of cricket rests heavily in the hands of the local people. It is however again incumbent on the expats and coaches to ensure adequate access to quality coaching, to courses designed to enable young Chileans to coach for themselves, for as I have said on many occasions this is the only sure way to achieve sustainability. I do hope that I have witnessed the beginning of a successful cricketing road for one or two of these boys and girls; it would be nice to think so.

I started this piece by mentioning Jonathan Trott and his own personal battles ; which we can only presume at this point, have been caused by the stresses from playing and training all year round. My own personal view is that the players, in some ways, have bought this upon themselves, by insisting on shorter more intense tours. Whilst in a perfect world this would leave them more family and personal time, the wheels of the money making machines have been spinning furiously; filling up each possible gap in the calendar with more and more tournaments. In doing so, they are squeezing every ounce of sweat from the players. Yes they get well rewarded, but at what cost physically and mentally.

We all wish Trott a speedy recovery, but let's also hope that things are going on behind the scenes, to ensure, as much is as possible, that these remain isolated incidents and are not just the tip of the iceberg.