Caddick stands by Trescothick

Andrew Caddick is confident Marcus Trescothick will be ready for the domestic season

Marcus Trescothick's Somerset colleague Andy Caddick is convinced the troubled opening batsman made the right decision to pull out of the pre-season tour to the United Arab Emirates.

The 32-year-old left-hander has been suffering from a stress-related illness since February 2006, has not played for England since August of the same year and left early from tours of India and Australia.

He made the decision not to travel just hours before Somerset were due to leave Heathrow Airport to catch their flight to Abu Dhabi. He had even checked in his luggage.

While Caddick backed the former England man to return in time for the start of the domestic season, Somerset coach Andy Hurry could not give a definite answer as to whether the latest setback will spell the end of Trescothick's international days.

"It is just a little glitch that he is having to come to terms with, and he has made the right decision," said ex-England pace bowler Caddick, after training in Abu Dhabi.

Andy Hurry backs his senior batsman to return to action

"There is no point in him being out here if he is feeling uncomfortable. We will all get on just as well out here without him - and we will do the job that is required.

"He will be raring to go when we get back; I know that he will be. He had a very good year last year, and I know through speaking to him over the last few days that he is very much looking forward to this summer."

On the issue of international cricket, Hurry said: "There is no doubt in my mind that he is quality world-class performer. But that is a question I can't answer, because I am not Marcus Trescothick.

"Marcus didn't feel comfortable coming away. It was a very difficult decision, but a very mature decision for him to make. He is now back in Taunton fully preparing himself for the season ahead.

"The club have already spoken to him, and he is hungry - his appetite is really good for the forthcoming season.

"Basically he got to where we were and he was uncomfortable. That was before we left. He is now back in a place where he is comfortable."