Trescothick retains Somerset captaincy

Somerset have announced that Marcus Trescothick will remain as captain for next season, ending speculation surrounding Taunton.

After a troubled 2013 in which Somerset avoided relegation from the County Championship in the last round of matches and Trescothick suffered with a loss of form and injury, it had been suggested that he could step down from the captaincy.

But, after consideration, Somerset director of cricket Dave Nosworthy has reappointed Trescothick for next season. James Hildreth will be vice-captain, in a potential nod to the future.

"We have thought carefully about the way forward and I am delighted to appoint Tres as the captain for the coming 2014 season," Nosworthy said. "He has an outstanding record as a player and as captain and therefore I am highly confident that he will do the business this coming season and look forward to working very closely with him."

Trescothick's star appeared to be on the wane last season as he failed to score a first-class century, the first time since 1998 he has gone a whole season without one. He made 804 runs at just 27.72 in the County Championship as Somerset endured by far their worst season since being promoted in 2007.

At 37, Trescothick, once one of the most destructive batsmen in world cricket, is in the twilight of his career but is contracted to play another two seasons.

"Naturally we know that Tres cannot carry on and captain and play forever," Nosworthy said. "As such we will take stock again at the end of the 2014 season - whilst ensuring that our leadership development programmes and succession plans are in place and invested upon."

Trescothick insisted he still had the drive to lead his county. This will be his fifth season in charge at Taunton and he will hope he can marshal a return to challenging for the title. Somerset finished runners-up twice and fourth in the first three seasons of his tenure.

"I am delighted to be at the helm of Somerset again," Trescothick said. "Leading the team puts that extra bit of pressure on me but also makes it a bit more special when you do well so the challenge is set. We appreciate what we have to do and all the hard work we have to put in.

"I am very happy to have Hildy as my vice-captain. He has taken charge a few times over the past few seasons and he is progressing well, and I think in time he will be a natural leader of a team."

Hildreth is one of the few senior players in Somerset's young squad, having scored over 10,000 first-class runs, and Nosworthy was delighted that Hildreth has stepped up into a leadership role.

"It is a real opportunity for him as a senior player in the team to participate fully in team decisions and to further establish himself as a leader in the group," Nosworthy said. "In the past Hildy has had some captaincy experience and I have no doubt that he will dovetail superbly with Tres - as they together start to form an effective working partnership."

Hildreth added: "I feel very privileged and proud to take on the role of vice-captain and the responsibility that goes with it. It's a great opportunity for me to get more experience of leadership.

"I have captained the side a few times in the past and really enjoyed it and this is a step that I have always wanted to take. Luckily the chance has presented itself to me so now I'm looking forward to the challenges."