Trescothick: Somerset on right track

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The unavailability of Chris Gayle and Francois du Plessis has failed to upset Somerset's preparation for the Friends Life t20, according to injured captain Marcus Trescothick.

Somerset pulled off something of a coup by capturing Twenty20 specialist Gayle, only to be deprived of his services after the destructive West Indies opening batsman went back on his word to reignite his international career.

Director of cricket Brian Rose put that disappointment behind him quickly by snapping up all-rounder du Plessis, who displayed his credentials in the shortest form with 391 runs, including three half-centuries, for Chennai Super Kings in the recent Indian Premier League.

However, lightning struck twice as du Plessis was called up to the South Africa A squad, meaning he was unable to fulfil his commitments at Taunton.

"I think it's always easy to replace these sort of guys," Trescothick told ecb.co.uk.

"You are very aware of the risks that come along, but it's easier to replace and still get the quality you need."

With Albie Morkel's signature secured in January, Somerset eventually filled their overseas quota with the arrival of Richard Levi, who holds the record for the fastest international T20 century.

They today added the holder of the quickest World Cup hundred - Ireland’ Kevin O’Brien - for five FLt20 games.

Trescothick, likely to miss a large part of the competition due to an ankle problem, appreciates the younger members of the side may have to make way to accommodate the two Proteas and the Irishman.

Despite the loss of Chris Gayle and Francois du Plessis, Marcus Trescothick said: "I think it's always easy to replace these guys."

"We have some young kids in the team at the moment, whether they get to play because bringing in two international players may restrict them a little bit," he said.

"With it being such a big competition, you need your best players playing. It should be good fun."

Somerset's limited-overs performances have been indifferent this season, with injuries and other commitments taking their toll.

As a result, they have lost all four of their Clydesdale Bank 40 matches this term, but Trescothick rejects the idea their 40-over showings have any impact on the shortest form.

"I think it's a little bit different, it's a bigger competition," he said.

“We have been injury-hit quite badly, so I think most of the guys will be back and ready to go for the start of the T20 with it being such an important competition.

"You need to start off and get going pretty quick so I expect it to be pretty good from the start."

With Somerset unable to field their strongest team on a regular basis this term, the club's youngsters have had more opportunities.

Trescothick has been impressed with the way they have lit up a mixed season.

"You want to see the next generation, you see the guys coming through the academy," he said.

"Our academy system is great and really producing some top-quality players. To see them out on the field performing at 18 years old, doing well, beating good teams and getting good wickets and runs is a joy to see.

"Especially from someone who has come through the system and knows a bit about the club, it is nice to see the next crop of people coming through."

As Somerset's premier spinner following the departure of Murali Kartik towards the end of 2011, Ireland international George Dockrell has revelled in the extra responsibility, with Trescothick expecting him to have a huge impact in the FLt20.

"He's had the opportunities which is the key part, he's had the international part and the process of going through playing for Ireland has really helped him," he added.

"Playing under pressure and succeeding has given him a lot of confidence and he's got good knowledge of where he is wanting to go."

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