England batsman Jonathan Trott has insisted that he is always making jokes within the squad, despite the public thinking that he is constantly grumpy.

The 32-year-old is preparing for the start of the six-week Ashes series, which gets underway at Trent Bridge next Wednesday when the first Test begins.

"A lot of people say to me that I never smile but if you asked the team they would probably say I'm the one who laughs and jokes the most," the Daily Mail quotes Trott as saying.

"I don't care if I look serious when I'm playing because that's my job, that's what I do."

Meanwhile, Sports Mole has caught up with England bowler Steven Finn ahead of the opening Test. You can read the interview here.