Marcus in positive mood ahead of crucial Sri Lanka match

Marcus Trescothick was in high spirits and sounded very positive ahead of the crucial VB one day match against Sir Lanka when he made contact with his county colleagues back at Taunton earlier today.

He said: "We will be looking for a win on Friday in Adelaide. It was very disappointing that we lost our last two games, but I was pleased with my return to form. However I would have been even more pleased if I had got a hundred and we had won."

He continued: "If we qualify for the finals of the triangular series then of course we will be staying out in Australia and then going straight onto the World Cup. However if we fail to qualify then we will be coming back to England for a week and a break before flying out to South Africa."

What were his thoughts regarding the Zimbabwe situation I asked. He told me: "All the discussions seem to be taking place back in England rather than out here in Australia."

How did he feel looking ahead of the World Cup in a few weeks time. He told me; "I'm really looking forward to playing in the World Cup, and despite losing our last two matches everybody in the England team is feeling upbeat at the prospect."

Marcus told me that despite the hot weather he was suffering from a cold at the moment and was looking forward to a couple of days off from training so that he could do some shopping and sightseeing in Adelaide, before Friday's vital clash.

`Banger' also said that his England colleagues Andy Caddick and Ian Blackwell were both in good spirits and looking forward to the World Cup.

All three can be sure that all of their fans back home in the West Country will be rooting for them and hoping for a win when they take on Sri Lanka on Friday morning.

Meanwhile young Somerset batsman Neil Edwards was celebrating in Adelaide after helping England Under 19's clinch a thrilling 14 run victory over their Australian counterparts in the first Youth test.

Edwards, whose 97 in the England second innings helped to set his country on the way to victory will already be looking forward to the next Test, when he will be watched by his father and brother who are making the trip out from their Cornish home.