Seeking triumph out of tragedy

If Marcus Trescothick were to be a part of a Shakesperean play he would fit the character of a tragedy king to the hilt. A tall and burly left-handed opening bat this England player in his short international career of less than three years has had more tragedies as a batsman than anyone else.

The talented player has often ended on a losing side despite his own heroics. His dazzling 109-ball 121 against India at the Eden Gardens last year had nearly sealed the one-dayer for his team before a trigger happy umpire ruled him leg before. The decision changed the course of the game but Trescothick stood tall with his performance.

Did you know?

• The year Trescothick made his debut (2000) and attracted everyone’s attention with his class, a few in England were quick to pull an archaeological dig on him. They said evidence was found at the player’s hometown of Keynsham in Somerset showing direct ancestral link between him and a prominent Roman Centurion. • When approached for his reaction, Trescothick displaying his typical self-assuredness remarked, ‘‘Of course I’m not surprised. My parents raised me to believe that I would be a leader of men, and I have always felt that my destiny has been shaped and predetermined by my forefathers. I guess my links with Rome are present today in other ways too: I drive a Fiat Bravo, I support Chelsea FC and my favourite food is pizza.’’ Any doubts! • Though Trescothick showed a lot of promise early in his career, he scored just 14 runs from first six innings playing for Somerset at the age of 17.

Earlier, his 137 against Pakistan at Lord’s in a triangular one-day tournament too went unrewarded. But despite all odds, the 28-year-old has continued his battle including a broken thumb that left him out of action for a few months last year. Thus far the stylish cricketer has amassed 2045 runs from 55 innings with four centuries and 11 fifties. A safe close-in catcher and occasional right-arm pace bowler, Trescothick is also recognised for having a cool head and is tipped to be the next England captain.

Story continues below this ad

For now, however, Tresco would look to stamp his class in his first-ever World Cup. He is sure to leave an impression.

Head to head

Seeing the back of Trescothick early would be the gameplan of probably every bowler at the World Cup. If he gets going, England would emerge stronger. India: Undoubtedly, the spinners duo of Harbhajan Singh and Anil Kumble who had some interesting duel with the England bastman in the past, will be the main threat. Not to forget southpaw Zaheer Khan who had been on tops on couple of occasions. Australia: The England opener will have to watch out for Shane Warne, who has been his nemesis whenever Tresocthick threatens to set the batting on fire. Their rivaly was widely noticed in the series Down Under and there is no doubt that it will extend to the bigger stage too. Pakistan: Trescothick has had the honour of getting the better of the trio of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and spinner Saqlain Mushtaq. The gripping tussle saw the England player display some stirring strokes. Should we expect an encore!