DURBAN: England batsman Jonathan Trott could get into trouble if he persists in taking too long to face up to the bowlers, South Africa's AB de Villiers has warned.

Trott's slow, deliberate routine prior to taking guard was highlighted by South African captain Graeme Smith after the first Test in Centurion and Trott was booed by the Kingsmead crowd on the second day of the second Test on Sunday.

He finished the day with 17 not out in an England total of 103 for one.

"The umpires are aware of it and Graeme is dealing with it," said De Villiers Sunday of Trott's routine, which sometimes means he is not ready to face when the bowlers are set to start their run-ups.

"It is very frustrating. Our bowlers have their rhythms. It's a tactic that might get him into trouble soon."

De Villiers said the umpires had spoken to Trott - "and Graeme is talking to Trotty as well".

Asked whether the Smith-Trott exchanges were on or off the field, De Villiers said they had happened on the field.

England off-spin bowler Graeme Swann defended Trott and said his routine was the same as it was in county cricket.

"He's done it every year when I have bowled against him. It's just Trotty. It's the way he plays. He's very organised and he's got a very clear game plan."

Swann said he could understand the frustration of the South Africans but did not believe Trott's actions deserved censure.

"Not everyone bats at the same tempo. He's got his game plan and he sticks to it."