Patrick, he of Times fame, has a really interesting interview with Howard Clayton, the “official” England Under-19 scorer who has seen the likes of Darren Gough, Michael Vaughan, Alastair Cook and Marcus Trescothick early in their cricketing careers. This struck out, though:
Who knows which members of the present team will become Test stars? Sometimes it is not always the cockiest who succeed. Clayton was struck by the attitude of a teenaged Trescothick, who in 1994 was teased by his team-mates for wearing his England cap and blazer after matches had finished. “He told them: ‘It might be the closest I get to playing for England,’ ” Clayton said. If only other players showed such pride and dedication.
Trescothick has always intrigued me. He arrived to Test cricket clearly mentally suited to the demands, if not technically astute; his near-total lack of feet movement early on looked awkward and horrible. He’s made a fine career in spite of these failings, and from very early on was part of Nasser Hussain and Duncan Fletcher’s team meetings, suggesting a wise head on then-young shoulders. But it was when he spoke of his hatred of bullying in the dressing room – and a need, he felt, of equality – which made me sit up and notice. He’s a quiet bloke, undemonstrative and doesn’t enjoy the spotlight; happier in Taunton than Trinidad.
Let’s not forget (not that we are) what a fine record he has: 5825 runs at 43.79, 14 hundreds and 29 fifties. That’s decent, for an opening bat.
Trescothick is probably one of the most unsung players in the current team, due to his slightly unorthodox technique. He murders good and mediocre bowling but, get it in the right place then you reap the rewards (Umar Gul, Mohammad Asif 2006; Jason Gillespie 2002-03)
I think he can get a bit too technique conscious. During this year, it looked like he was trying to fiddle with his style a bit to avoid nicking to the keeper, but it seemed to distract him from playing with his usual attacking style.
I think he will do well in this winter’s Ashes though. The bouncy pitches could cause problems (with the nicks in particular) but the sense of occasion will spur him on, along with the rest of the squad.
His dedication has always been second to none. However, the slightly mysterious departure from the India tour has surrounded it ever since and, apart from his ton in the first Test of the summer, he’s looked a little out of sorts. This could be for the same reason as when his form has dipped in previous years, but you can’t help thinking it and India could be related somehow.
I’ve read some pundits are starting to draw similarities to Graham Thorpe – i hope it does not turn into the same situation as that. Both he and England will suffer badly.
Does tresco really meddle with his technique much? As far as I can tell when in a trough he just leaves the ball more and tries to guts out a long innings. After a couple of these he starts playing more shots gradually until he’s back to confidence.
He doesn’t have great technique but is a quality bat when focussed and leaving the right balls but attacking everything else.
There’s lies, damm lies and statistics – but in cricket the averages are what are remembered.
Think Hick, Ramprakash, hell even John Crawley. No one could argue that they were not/are technically superior to Tresco, but he clearly had/has the edge in mental strength (as proved by his averages).
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