Trescothick last played for England abroad in Australia in 2006

Marcus Trescothick has announced his retirement from international cricket.

The Somerset batsman, 32, suffers from a stress-related illness which makes travelling abroad difficult.

The former England opener, averaged 43.79 and played in 76 Tests and 123 one-day games, said he was retiring so England could plan their future.

He said: "It is in the best interests of all concerned that the issue is put to rest so the England team can concentrate on moving forward."

Trescothick last played for England against Pakistan at The Oval in August 2006 but has not featured in an overseas tour since returning before the start of the Ashes in Australia at the end of 2006.

Last week, he was set to travel to Dubai with his county team Somerset on a pre-season tour but pulled out when the squad arrived at Heathrow Airport.

TRESCOTHICK'S ENGLAND CAREER Jul 2000: Hits 79 on one-day debut against Zimbabwe Aug 2000: Makes Test debut hitting 66 against West Indies Feb 2001: Hits maiden Test century against Sri Lanka Oct 2001: Captains England in ODI against Zimbabwe 2003: Scores 219 against South Africa May 2004: Captains England in first Test against New Zealand 2005: Finishes victorious Ashes series with 431 runs Feb 2006: Returns home from England's tour of India due to personal reasons Nov 2006: Withdraws from Ashes tour due to a stress-related illness July 2007: Rules himself out of the World Twenty20

Trescothick said in a statement: "I have tried on numerous occasions to make it back to the international stage and it has proved a lot more difficult than I expected.

"I want to extend my playing career for as long as possible and I no longer want to put myself through the questions and demands that go with trying to return to the England team."

England captain Michael Vaughan, Trescothick's one-time opening partner, said: "On behalf of all the England players, I would like to thank Marcus for his contribution to the team.

"He has been an outstanding player for England in both forms of the game, a pleasure to captain and a terrific influence in our dressing room.

"This is a tough decision for any international cricketer to make but I believe it is the right one for him and he has my full support as he now embarks on the next stage of his cricketing career.

I know how much Somerset County Cricket club means to him Michael Vaughan

"I know how much Somerset County Cricket club means to him and I am sure that he will now be devoting all his energies to helping the club achieve further success in the future."

Trescothick, who scored 5,825 runs for his country and was 11th on the all-time list of England's leading batsman, said he was proud and privileged to have played for his country.

But he admitted travelling abroad had become "extremely stressful" and said he instead wanted to concentrate on his Somerset career.

"My desire to play cricket is as strong as it ever was," he added.

"It is a very big season for the club and I am looking forward very much to playing a full part."

Hugh Morris, the newly appointed managing director of the England and Wales Cricket Board, paid tribute to Trescothick.

606: DEBATE Trescothick should be remembered as one of the finest English batsmen of the last 10 years or so JackGooner87

"I would like to place on record my thanks to Marcus for the enormous contribution he has made to the England team in both Test and One Day International cricket," he said.

"I fully respect and understand his decision to retire from international cricket and wish him every success in his future career with Somerset."

Somerset coach Andy Hurry said having Trescothick available for the whole season would be "a great bonus" for the county.

"I have spoken to Marcus and he is fully committed to the cause in 2008," Hurry added.

"He is a very well respected guy not only for his playing ability but as a person as well. There is lots of empathy with Marcus and great support for him - the boys are right behind him."