Marcus Trescothick Calls Time On England Career
Focusing on county cricket: Marcus Trescothick.
©Action Images / Scott Heavey
"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 told Somerset's Web site (www.somersetcountycc.co.uk).
The Somerset player has struggled with a stress-related illness that saw him return home from tours to India and Australia in 2006 although he made a successful return to domestic cricket last season.
He was announced in England's provisional Twenty20 World Cup squad before announcing he would not be able to make the tournament if picked, and earlier this week had to pull out of Somerset's season-opening tour of the United Arab Emirates.
"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," the 32-year-old 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.
"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."
Trescothick said he would now "concentrate all my efforts on playing well for Somerset. It is a very big season for the club and I am looking forward very much to playing a full part."
England captain Michael Vaughan paid tribute to Trescothick.
"On behalf of all the England players, I would like to thank Marcus for his contribution to the team," Vaughan said in a statement from Napier, New Zealand where he is playing in the third test.
"He has been an outstanding player for England in both forms of the game, a pleasure to captain and a terrific influence in our dressing room.
"This is a tough decision for any international cricketer to make but I believe it is the right one for him and he has my full support as he now embarks on the next stage of his cricketing career."
Marcus Trescothick Player Profile
