The former Bathurst boy impressed everyone with a stint behind the microphone at the big match where emotions ran high following the tragic death of Phillip Hughes. 

An elite fast bowler and more than handy batsman who can boast having a Baggy Green and NSW cap in the trophy cabinet, Trent told the Western Advocate yesterday he was more than happy to be able to join the commentary team.

He was especially honoured at being on air right from the pre-match tributes to his former state team-mate who died after being struck by a bouncer in the recent match at the Sydney Cricket Ground between NSW and South Australia.

“For them to let me commentate during the opening ceremony, anthems, first ball and first half hour of the match was just great,” Trent said.

“The past few weeks have been really hard because I was a close friend of Phil and was there sitting in the ladies stand at the SCG when he got hit. It’s been tough on everyone.”

Trent, who is recovering from a stress fracture to his back, will return to Sydney tonight to play grade cricket for St George tomorrow as a batsman.

He said the opportunity to join the ABC cricket commentary team came up last week after he was approached about the possibility of joining them in Adelaide.

“It’s been fantastic. I remember growing up watching the cricket. We would mute the telly and listen to the ABC. It was quite a surreal experience actually being there as part of the team,” Trent said.

“The environment is very different than what I expected, but the guys you are working with are seasoned professionals. There’s Jim Maxwell, Drew Morphett, Quentin Hull. The special comments come from myself, Jamie Cox and Rodney Hogg with Peter Walsh floating in and out.”

Trent said his aim is to try to set up a transition path for when the time comes to move away from cricket.

“Whether it’s covering all sports with Fox or just cricket, I don’t know, but I think for me life after cricket could be in the media,” he said.

“I am not daunted by being live on air and being honest about things and have received some very positive feedback over the past week. I’ve loved it. It’s been great fun. You get a different buzz than anything I’ve experienced on the cricket field. It’s a new challenge.”

For now, Trent is focusing on getting back to full fitness following the stress fracture to his back.

“I am into my ninth week since a scan found the problem and stopped everything,” he said. “I am progressing well and being sensible because there’s a crack in my spine. It’s not like a little hammy or calf tear. I don’t want to be walking with a Zimmer frame when I am 45.”