Trescothick withdraws

25 July 2007

Marcus Trescothick insists he still retains ambitions to play for his country © Getty Images

The ECB has confirmed that Marcus Trescothick has informed the England selectors that he would not be making himself available for selection for the winter international programme of cricket.

Trescothick said: “Whilst I have been enjoying my cricket for Somerset this summer and feel that I am making good progress, I need to ensure that I am completely ready for a return to international cricket before making myself available for selection.

“I recently informed the selectors that I was happy to be included in the 30-man squad for the Twenty20 World Cup to leave all options open but I am now clear that I should take more time to complete my recovery. I still have ambitions to play for England.”

David Graveney, England chairman of selectors, said: “The selectors have been acutely conscious that it would be counter-productive to try to rush Marcus back into international action before he was ready.

“We appreciate the fact that Marcus has alerted us at the earliest opportunity of his decision which will avoid there being any disruption to the team's one-day planning processes.

"Marcus has proved himself to be a very special talent on the international stage and we look forward to his making himself available again for England when the time is right and to his pushing his case for selection through his performances for Somerset.”

Brian Rose, Somerset director of cricket, said: “Marcus has made terrific progress this summer with Somerset and his longer team future remains the primary concern for us all.

“His decision has clarified the way forward for Somerset and England. He is still relatively young for an international batsman and we believe that he has many more years playing at club and international level.”