Vaughan backs Trescothick's 'courageous decision'

Michael Vaughan, the former England captain, has said Marcus Trescothick "deserves a huge amount of credit" for going to India to take part in the Champions League Twenty20. Vaughan believes that the recurrence of his stress-related illness, which led to Trescothick flying home mid-way through the tournament, will not adversely impact the Somerset opener's county form.

"It was a courageous decision for him [Trescothick] even to try and go there to play," Vaughan, who opened with Trescothick for England, was quoted as saying in the Daily Telegraph. "It's obviously not worked out but I spoke to him and he's fine. It's not the first time this has happened but at least he's given it a go.

"I don't think people realise what an effort it took for him even to go out there. But Tres loves his cricket and he'll be back next year, no doubt about it. He will certainly be back next season playing for Somerset and full of runs, just like he was this year."

Trescothick's illness first occurred during England's tour of India in February 2006, then reoccurred at the start of the Ashes campaign in Australia in November. In early 2008 he pulled out of a pre-season tour to Dubai after breaking down at Heathrow Airport, after which he formally announced his retirement from international cricket in March 2008.

The latest setback occurred on the morning after Somerset's defeat to Trinidad & Tobago in Bangalore and the county's chairman, Andy Nash, said Somerset were "full of admiration" for the courage it took Trescothick to make the trip to India.

"Everyone connected with the club and cricket is aware how brave it was of him and [his wife] Hayley to even travel out there in the first place," Nash said. "This is not a step back for Marcus. It was a victory for him to get there. We are full of admiration for what he has done for us. We are looking forward to him being a highly successful captain for us from next season."

Vikram Solanki, the Professional Cricketers' Association chairman, wished Trescothick a speedy recovery and said the PCA and the county game were there to help if he needed it. "Part of the PCA's intention is for these circumstances - to provide assistance when it is needed," Solanki said. "It's just a question of what sort of help Marcus requires. There is quite clearly a provision for counselling if that is what is needed. Certainly there is always someone on the end of the phone if it is needed. We're a pretty close-knit unit around county cricket and I'm sure there will be no shortage of people on hand to help if he so requires."