 Trott made his Test debut in 1888 and toured England four times ; 1888 , 1890 , 1893 and 1896 , scoring over 1000 runs on each occasion . For the tour in 1896 , Trott was elected captain by his team @-@ mates . Despite England winning the series two Tests to one and retaining The Ashes , Trott 's ability as a captain was highly regarded . In the return series in Australia in 1897 – 98 , Trott 's team was more successful , winning the series 4 Tests to 1 and regaining The Ashes . At a time when the federation of the Australian colonies was under discussion , the victory saw Trott praised as a " national institution " and his team as having " done more for the federation of Australian hearts than all the big delegates put together " . 
