Trescothick is Somerset vice-captain

Marcus Trescothick was his usual prolific self, sixth in the first-class run scoring list

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Marcus Trescothick has been named Somerset vice-captain for 2009, with a view to replacing Justin Langer as skipper in the long-term.

The former England batsman replaces fast bowler Andrew Caddick, who suffered from recurring injuries last season.

Trescothick, 32, whose autobiography ‘Coming Back to Me’ is shortlisted for the William Hill Sportsbook of the Year Award, has pledged himself to Somerset after deciding to call time on his international career after 76 Tests and 123 one-day internationals.

Trescothick said: “Having finished my international career and got my benefit year and my book behind me, it's a good time to take on extra responsibility within the team.”

“Justin and I talk a lot while standing at first and second slip and that will obviously continue while I am his vice-captain.

“Looking further ahead I am keen to be captain one day. I have done the job now and again for Somerset and for England in five one-day internationals, but that doesn't allow you to put your stamp on the team.

“I would like to do that one day with Somerset and I feel I have learned enough over my career to make a success of the job.”

Trescothick enjoyed another stellar season with the bat for Somerset in 2008, topping the county’s averages in all forms of the game.

Trescothick (left) served as captain in Justin Langer's absence on occasion last season

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He plundered 1,258 first-class runs, which included centuries against Hampshire, Kent and Surrey.

He fell only 91 runs short of the 1,000 landmark in limited-overs matches for the Sabres, including a stunning 184 from 112 balls in a NatWest pro40 match against local rivals Gloucestershire.

Somerset director of cricket Brian Rose said: “There are several reasons for appointing Marcus and the most important is continuity.

“He will work well with Justin next season and has been identified as someone capable of taking over the captaincy at a future date.

“Marcus indicated to me that he was ready to shoulder extra responsibility and Andy Caddick understands fully our reasons for making the change,” he added.

“Caddy wasn't able to play as much as he would have liked as vice-captain this year and his focus is fully on being fit to bowl more overs next season.”

Langer recently declared he plans to spend two more seasons at Somerset.