IN these uncertain times in which we live, Marcus Trescothick opening the batting for Somerset remains a reassuring constant.

The opener is entering his 27th professional season and, though much has changed since his debut in May 1993, one thing continues to elude the opener - the County Championship title.

Last season was the fifth time Somerset have finished second in Trescothick’s time at the club and it was a testing campaign for the batsman.

The former England man broke his foot en route to a century against Lancashire at Old Trafford and, following his return, 71 against Nottinghamshire in the season finale was a welcome end after a run of one half-century in eight innings.

Trescothick admits he “would have liked a few more runs” during this pre-season but remains optimistic about the team’s prospects.

“The club is in a good place and the squad has been built nicely,” he said.

“The introduction of Jack Brooks gives us more experience in the attack - everyone is that year more experienced and more attuned to what goes on in First Class cricket which can give you that extra percentage.

“If we get a bit of luck with injuries and things go our way then you never know.

“Preparations have gone well. Abu Dhabi was great, I really enjoyed the trip, and the [Cardiff] Uni game here last week was pretty good as well.

“All in all, we are pretty pleased with where we are.”

Trescothick looks set to be joined in the top three by James Hildreth this summer but another of the old guard, Peter Trego, will play only limited overs cricket this summer after hanging up his whites.

“It will be a lot quieter, that is for sure,” Trescothick said.

“He will still be around, just not in terms of playing Championship, but I am sure he will still perform really well in one-day cricket.”

Trescothick has been described by teammates as a ‘cricket badger’ - i.e someone who really loves the game - and, as an onlooker, he is excited about what 2019 has to offer.

“It’s a huge summer,” he said.

“Come the end of September we could have had an Ashes victory and a World Cup victory. The potential for what that could do for the game is huge.

“We also have the three World Cup games here which will be spectacular, especially under the lights.”