Trescothick happy with overseas return

A third-ball duck may not sound like a successful outing for a top-order batsman, but for Marcus Trescothick the significance was huge. Having travelled to India for the Champions League, he is playing his first overseas cricket since leaving the 2006-07 Ashes tour with a recurrence of the stress-related illness that has curtailed his international career and, the early signs at least, have been promising.

Trescothick arrived in Hyderabad three days later than his team-mates as part of a carefully planned schedule laid out by Somerset to ease him back into the travelling life. The last time he attempted to go overseas he broke down at Heathrow airport before Somerset's pre-season tour of the Middle East in 2008, so at this stage the scoreline against a Hyderabad XI wasn't the important factor.

"It is a big step forward, but I'm not saying everything is sorted," he said. "I knew it would be a great challenge to me. I think I will make big steps in this big tournament."

During the recent English season Trescothick's name was at the centre of much debate before the final Test against Australia as England tried to shore up their batting line-up. In was an outstanding summer for Trescothick, who scored 1817 runs in the Championship and was yesterday named the PCA player of the year. When his name was mentioned for a recall he admitted mulling over a one-off return, but soon came to the conclusion - after a vivid dream - that he had made the right decision to retire.

"It was an ideal year. I had my best season at 33 and I'm at the peak of my career, so who knows," he said. "I'm not saying I will be back in the England team. But I am confident for this tournament. I do not have any aspirations to go to the next level. I have stayed away from England."

Despite not having international cricket to motivate him, Trescothick has no problems finding the drive to extend his career. He has never appeared more comfortable as a player and success at the Champions League would cap off a memorable year for him.

"I grew up in cricket since I was a kid and just want to score as many runs as I can. That drive and ambition has never left me. That will keep me driving until I think it is enough and I would like to continue to be the best player I can and score many more runs. That gives me the kick every day when I get up in the morning."