Trescothick available for Somerset's season opener

Marcus Trescothick has announced he will be available to play for Somerset when the County Championship season starts later this month.

Somerset's chief executive, Richard Gould, said: "Marcus is back in full training and will report back to the County Ground along with the rest of the squad early next week."

The 30-year-old England opener has not played since he returned early from the tour of India for personal reasons, but he could be back for friendlies for his county against Cornwall next Thursday or the Somerset Cricket Board XI two days later.

Trescothick will also be available for Somerset's opening Championship game of the season against rivals Gloucestershire at Bristol on Tuesday 18 April.

Speaking from South Africa, where Somerset are on tour, the county's director of cricket, Brian Rose, said: "Marcus will join the rest of the squad from day one of the season and, along with everyone else, will be available for selection."

There was not such good news for Somerset about former England seamer Richard Johnson, who will miss the start of the season.

Johnson suffered his latest injury during a trip to South Africa, and the results of a knee scan are still being assessed.

* Australia's Justin Langer will not be retiring despite being badly concussed while batting in South Africa.