SOMERSET legend Marcus Trescothick will be lining up for the county again in 2019 after putting pen to paper on a new one-year deal.

There had been some speculation as to whether the opening batsman, 42, would continue but he has now ended that by committing to a 27th season as a Somerset player.

Trescothick, who will turn 43 on Christmas Day, made 71 on the opening day of Somerset's ongoing County Championship match against Nottinghamshire, his third half-century of a season interrupted by a broken foot sustained en route to a century against Lancashire in May.

Trescothick told the club website: “I’m delighted to have signed for at least another year.

"I still have the drive, passion and energy to want to get better and strive to perform for the team. I’ve always said that I want to continue to play for Somerset for as long as possible and that feeling has not changed.

“We’ve made good progress in the Specsavers County Championship and other competitions this season and I’m excited for what is to come for the Club when you look at the combination of youth and experience within the squad.”

Somerset director of cricket Andy Hurry said: “When you think of Somerset County Cricket Club you think of Marcus Trescothick.

"His work ethic is second to none and you simply can’t measure what he brings to the Club behind the scenes and in the dressing room. He is the epitome of what a professional sportsman should be.

“We had a number of discussions throughout the season and he made it very clear that he still has the drive and he wants to continue playing whilst he can still positively impact games.”

Trescothick has scored over 26,000 First Class runs at an average of 41.42.