by Gerrard30391 » Wed Aug 12, 2009 9:48 am
Im all for this....
Marcus Trescothick appears to have softened his stance on a possible return to international cricket, saying he would consider coming back into the England side if they asked the left-hander to return to the final Ashes Test at The Oval.
Trescothick, 33, has not been involved with England since he pulled out of the 2006-07 Ashes tour just before the start of their disastrous 5-0 Test series whitewash.
The left-hander is only out of the international picture because a stress-related problem means he is unable to go on long tours overseas, but a one-off return at The Oval would be well within his capabilities.
With England suffering a humiliating innings defeat at Headingley, changes look inevitable with Ravi Bopara and Ian Bell both facing the axe ahead of the crucial final Test,
Kent skipper Robert Key is a favourite to come into the side, while veteran Mark Ramprakash's name has also been mentioned alongside that of Trescothick.
Proven
The Somerset man has proved himself at Test level, and this season he has been in fine form with 1,330 first-class runs at 78.23, and after initially insisting he is retired, Trescothick says that he would listen if England came calling.
"If I was asked, I don't know," admitted Trescothick. "If they threw questions at me, I would listen. But until they do I can't answer.
"I am just carrying on what I am doing at Somerset. Carrying on playing. Anything else is so hypothetical at the moment.
"It's always nice to be thought of. Of course it is. But people are talking about it more than I am thinking about it."
England skipper Andrew Strauss failed in a bid to lure his former opening partner back to the England side for the World Twenty20 earlier this year, but a one-off Test match could be a different story.
Trescothick averages 62 in Tests at The Oval, and scored a double hundred as England won a crucial match against South Africa back in 2003.
Regret
Trescothick spoke of his regret at not being able to continue his England career when he turned down Strauss' last approach for the World Twenty20.
"After taking everything into consideration, I reluctantly had to tell Strauss that playing for England again was just not possible," Trescothick said, four months ago.
"I had no choice but to say no. I might be wrong, but I still believe that if it was as simple as turning up and batting for England, I could do it and succeed.
"Playing cricket for England was the great ambition of my life and, until I became ill, I loved everything about it, so not being able to do so now is a source of great regret.
"I miss the buzz and the stage and the chance to put my ability to the sternest test, and I'd be lying if I said I haven't thought about it often."
"I certainly wouldn't say I'm the best manager in the business, but I'm in the top one."