 Trescothick at the official 2006 Somerset photocall |
Opener Marcus Trescothick confirmed his England availability after playing his first innings since his controversial departure from the tour of India. Trescothick's return sparked confusion as first personal problems and then a virus were blamed for his exit.
"I will be available for everything England want me for over the next 12 months and beyond, all the series, the Ashes, the World Cup," he said.
He returned to action on Saturday with 74 for Somerset against a select XI.
The left-hander played some familiarly powerful strokes, striking the first ball of the match against the West of England Premier League for three and racing to fifty from 85 balls with four fours and a six.
 |  This has made me appreciate what I do and now I'm gagging to play again |
He was finally stumped after facing 113 balls and adding a further three fours and another six.
"It went pretty well out there for me and I was glad that in my first innings for a long time I spent 40 overs out in the middle," he said.
"I was excited at the prospect of playing again when I walked down the steps going out to bat and I guess that if I am honest with myself I was pretty impressed with the way that I played after such a long lay-off."
England face another arduous year of international action, with home series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, followed by the Champions Trophy in India in the autumn and the Ashes in Australia in November and then the World Cup in 2007.
To hear the 30-year-old left-hander say: "I want to play as much as I can" will be a major boost to the England hierarchy.
"When I left India I just wanted to get away," Trescothick added. "I didn't even watch the cricket on TV.
"This has made me appreciate what I do and now I'm gagging to play again."
MMIX
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