Players' union PCA slammed Michael Vaughan yesterday for showing a lack of understanding over mental health.

The former England captain wrote in yesterday's Daily Telegraph that he felt "conned" by batsman Jonathan Trott's reason for leaving the last Ashes tour down under.

"We were told Jonathan Trott's problems in Australia were a stress-related illness he had suffered for years," he said.

"He was obviously not in a great place but he was struggling for cricketing reasons and not mental, and there is a massive difference.

"There is a danger we are starting to use stress-related illness and depression too quickly as tags for players under pressure.

"When I hear players talking about burn-out, I suspect it is an excuse. You never see players retiring from sport and talking about burn-out when they are playing well."

England went on to lose the Ashes a humbling 5-0.

"What Trott will have to accept is that players in his own dressing room and in the opposition will look at him and think at the toughest of times he did a runner. He did not fight and got on a plane and went home.

"It is harsh but that is the reality," he claimed.

But the Professional Cricketers Association was unimpressed with the Yorkshireman's views.

"The article highlights issues we have with a lack of understanding on mental illness," said PCA chief executive Angus Porter.

"I'm not an expert and neither is Michael.

"Each individual case is different and it is wrong to simply try to put cases in convenient boxes.

"From what I was told, Jonathan's decision to return home was the correct one, and it is wrong of people to condemn him for that decision.

"We wish Jonathan well and hope he makes a quick recovery."

And charity Rethink Mental Illness also gave its backing to Trott.

CEO Mark Winstanley said that the reality of mental health was too complex for any clear dividing lines.

"Whether or not Trott has a diagnosable mental health problem is beside the point, his mental health was clearly suffering at the time and if he hadn't taken action, he may well have gone on to develop more serious problems.

"To admit to struggling with your mental health is not a weakness but an act of strength, which should be encouraged."