Trescothick calls time on England career

MARCUS Trescothick yesterday 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 match 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 at 43.79 and 5,825 runs 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. It has been a great privilege to represent my country."

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 due 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.