Tresco ends England career
Marcus Trescothick has retired from England duty, insisting that relieving himself of the “questions and demands” of international cricket was his only option after nearly two years without a Test appearance.
Trescothick cited ongoing health problems as the reason for the announcement after suffering on a number of occasions with a stress-related illness brought about by touring.
The 32-year-old, one of former coach Duncan Fletcher’s greatest successes, ends his international career with a fine record of 14 centuries and 5,825 runs at 43.79 in 76 Tests.
A destructive batsman in limited-overs cricket, the Somerset opener also earned 123 one-day international caps, compiling 12 hundreds at 37.37.
He forged impressive partnerships with Michael Vaughan and then Andrew Strauss at the top of England’s innings and, although he has not appeared for his country since an ODI against Pakistan in September 2006, the confirmation of his retirement will nevertheless be mourned by the England hierarchy.
“I have tried on numerous occasions to make it back to the international stage and it has proved a lot more difficult than I expected,” Trescothick said.
“I want to extend my playing career for as long as possible and I no longer want to put myself through the questions and demands that go with trying to return to the England team.
Trescothick will continue playing cricket for Somerset for the next couple of years “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time playing for England and I am very proud of having been selected for 76 Test matches and over 120 ODIs.
“It has been a great privilege to represent my country and I am grateful to the game of cricket for giving me the opportunity to excel at a sport that I enjoy so much.”
The batsman insisted he was looking forward to continuing his domestic career with Somerset, who benefited from his increased availability last summer to gain promotion to Division One of the LV County Championship, but will no longer be considered for any overseas assignments.
He was originally scheduled to take part in his side’s current pre-season trip to the UAE, but backed out at the eleventh hour.
“My desire to play cricket is as strong as it ever was. But, due to the problems that I have experienced, travelling abroad has become extremely stressful for me,” he said.
“I now think that it is in the best interests of all concerned that the issue is put to rest so that the England team can concentrate on moving forward, and I can concentrate all my efforts on playing well for Somerset.”
Trescothick’s health concerns first came to light in February 2006 when he abruptly left the England tour of Pakistan. He initially cited personal problems, before blaming his departure on a virus.
He returned to the team on home turf during the summer, scoring a century on his comeback, but his problems returned when he pulled out of the one-day series against Pakistan and asked not to be considered for the ICC Champions Trophy.
The opener forged a good partnership with Andrew Strauss © Getty ImagesBuy this photoEngland coach Fletcher supported the player, who he had plucked from relative obscurity to head up his new-look team in 2000, and included him in the squad to defend the Ashes in Australia in the winter of 2006/07.
Trescothick, who made three half-centuries as vice-captain when England famously won the urn in 2005 - including a thrilling first-day 90 in the second Test at Edgbaston - played in two warm-up matches but again left the tour unexpectedly after another bout of his illness.
Having declared last summer that he was still interested in pursuing his England career, he was named in the preliminary party for the inaugural ICC World Twenty20, but pulled out of the final squad.
His retirement, however, does nothing to lessen the premature loss of one of his generation’s most dominant opening batsman.
Hugh Morris, ECB managing director, said: “I would like to place on record my thanks to Marcus for the enormous contribution he has made to the England team in both Test and one-day international cricket.
“I fully respect and understand his decision to retire from international cricket and wish him every success in his future career with Somerset.”
Somerset coach Andy Hurry added: “Without question Marcus is a quality player of international standard and to have a player like that in your squad for the whole season is a great bonus. I have spoken to Marcus and he is fully committed to the cause in 2008.
“He is a very well respected guy not only for his playing ability but as a person as well. There is lots of empathy with Marcus and great support for him - the boys are right behind him."
Marcus Trescothick scored 4,335 ODI runs © Getty Images
