Tresco eyes new season
England batsman Marcus Trescothick is looking forward to the upcoming season despite having to withdraw from Somerset’s tour of Dubai.
Trescothick travelled with the Somerset squad to London last Friday but, after reaching the airport, decided to return home having suffered the symptoms of the stress related illness which caused him to leave two England tours, to India and Australia.
He told the Western Daily Press: "I felt a bit uneasy when we left Taunton and at the airport I became very anxious. I knew I wasn't feeling as I should.
"In view of my past experiences, I became worried that things would snowball if I got on the plane, and I didn't want to let anyone down.
"I was aware that there would be a lot of press attention when I arrived and that was playing on my mind too.
"I expressed my concerns to coach Andy Hurry and after a short chat we decided it would be best if I returned home.
"Within an hour of hiring a car to drive myself back to Taunton I was feeling relieved and better. By Monday I was absolutely fine and able to do some nets and training at the county ground."
Trescothick consulted Somerset coach Andy Hurry Trescothick scored 1,315 runs in the LV County Championship to help Somerset to the division two title during 2007 and he is looking forward to leading their division one campaign in 2008 even though he is not entirely comfortable with long journeys.
"It is something that is triggered when I step outside of my normal environment," he said.
"Playing at home or away with Somerset is no problem for me.
"I am really looking forward to the new season and I know I'll be fine. I'm already back to normal and share the excitement of all the players over the summer ahead.
"We genuinely believe Somerset can be county champions for the first time. Talk is cheap, but I can feel the confidence within the camp.
"Last season we steamrollered teams in the second division. We know it is going to be a lot harder this time because the opposition will be better and we will need to raise our game.
"It's important to us that Andy Caddick stays fit because he is a key player for us. If he does, I believe we will be a match for anyone.
"I want to assure all Somerset fans that I am fine and raring to go. We can make a bit of history this summer and it's a challenge we are all going to relish."
Marcus Trescothick is looking forward to the 2008 season with Somerset © Getty Images
