TRES BIEN......

Among a weekend of depressing stories, one heartening bit of news came with the announcement that Marcus Trescothick has decided to bring the curtain down on his international cricket career. Strange turn of phrase that. Sometimes, sporting heroes leave the stage after a playing career of much achievement and so their leaving is registered with feelings of regret. Others leave and you can`t wait to see the back of them. I mention no names on that score - they know who they are.

But it`s rare that someone leaves having achieved so much and at an age when so much could still be achieved, that the decision to stop now is met with such universal approval, understanding, thanks and good wishes. Such is the case with Tres, who had been England`s most accomplished and watchable opening batsman over 76 test matches and 123 one-day internationals.

His stress related illness has debarred him from taking part in overseas tours in recent years and his withdrawal at Heathrow en route to the UAE for a pre-season tour with Somerset was clearly the catalyst for his announcement. I think he`s got his priorities dead right - it`s a huge honour to represent your country, of course, but sometimes home and family are more important to the individual....and it`s an individual choice he has made and one which we should gladly respect.

His decision paves the way for him to continue to enjoy his cricket with his home county of Somerset and to have more time at home, where he clearly needs to be. I hope he will be happy continuing to play the game at which he excels and, whilst we may not see him grace the international scene any more, I suspect we will see a more relaxed and even more entertaining and productive Marcus Trescothick on the provincial playing fields of England.

Thanks, Tres, for a wonderful international career and congratulations on a good decision made for yourself and your family. Tres bien