Trescothick has arrived back in Britain after flying home

Opener Trescothick, 30, has returned to England after a recurrence of a stress-related illness that caused him to fly home from India last winter.

He also missed the Champions Trophy but convinced doctors he was fit for England's Ashes defence in Australia.

"It wasn't much of a gamble from our point of view," said Fletcher.

News conference: England coach Duncan Fletcher

"In the summer I had a one-to-one with the specialist who was dealing with Marcus....he convinced me that he would be ready for the Australian tour.

"Those individuals know all about how to handle these situations. You have to take that information on board and I thought 'Right' let's go for it'."

England's chief selector David Graveney has promised a full review of the Trescothick situation.

"My initial thoughts are with him and his family and his present state," said Graveney.

"Foreign tours are tough and the issue will be discussed but I don't want to add to what has already been said until I am in possession of the full facts."

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Fletcher said he had been concerned about the Somerset star's mental state several days before he broke down during the tour match against New South Wales on Monday.

"I called for a meeting, because two days before he was feeling uncomfortable. I just thought it was best for this tour if he went back home," said Fletcher.

"On Sunday the problem seemed to reoccur with Marcus. We had a meeting and at first we decided that maybe the best thing would be to bring his wife and kids out here early."

Fletcher then met team doctor Nick Pierce and captain Andrew Flintoff to discuss having decisive talks with Trescothick after the game on Tuesday.

"I was going to discuss whether he would fly back and not let his wife come out here," said Fletcher.

"At that point - where I'd have to speak to him (and make) a very difficult decision which I was very uncomfortable about - it was taken out of my hands.

"Marcus came off the field in the afternoon and there was a recurrence of the problem he had in India.

"I left it to the doctor to sit and have a chat with him, and, after a while, we spoke and said it was best if he does go home."