Added incentives spur Trescothick

Trescothick has scored 234 runs in this year's Twenty20 Cup

Somerset batsman Marcus Trescothick says the chance to play in the Champions League is an added incentive ahead of Twenty20 finals day.

The 2005 champions meet Kent in the semi-finals at Edgbaston on Saturday, with the winners earning a place in the inaugural Champions League competition.

"It's getting bigger and bigger," Trescothick told BBC Somerset.

"It's really important for the players and the club, and the money generated is a bigger incentive to do well."

However, despite the added pressure of playing for the lucrative prize on offer, Trescothick said he is determined to simply enjoy the occasion.

"It's good fun and a fantastic day out," said the 33-year-old. "I watch it every year on television so to be involved in it is even better.

"You've got to enjoy it. Our summer structure is so busy, so when days like these come along you have to make the most of them.

"You need to relax and express yourself as much as you can, but still stick to the disciplines that you've worked hard on."

As a veteran of Somerset's successful campaign and of 76 Tests, including England's Ashes-winning summer of 2005, Trescothick is no stranger to the big occasion.

But he said that will not stop him from feeling nervous ahead of Saturday's showpiece.

"Whatever game you play in, be it in a big game for England or a final for Somerset, the nerves are the same," said the left-hander.

"It's a nice feeling because it gets you going and makes you enjoy it all the more."

Should Somerset get past Rob Key's side, they will meet either Northants or Sussex in the final, and Trescothick is aware of the demands of playing two matches in one day.

You need good performances from individuals, the big players need to stand up and be counted

Marcus Trescothick

"It all depends how the workload goes in the first game," said the opening batsman.

"If you have a few lads who do the work in the first game then the pressure can be on them in the final.

"But adrenaline will get you through, allowing you to work hard for the whole day."

And, after being part of successful teams, both domestically and internationally, Trescothick says he knows what it will take in order for his side to lift the trophy at Edgbaston.

"You need good performances from individuals, the big players need to stand up and be counted," added the former England vice-captain.

"You also need unity. You need to realise that it is a great day, but a hard day and that you've got to stick with it to get the result that you need."