LONDON (AP):

ENGLAND BATSMAN Marcus Trescothick retired from international cricket yesterday, blaming a long-term stress-related illness that made travelling overseas difficult.

The 32-year-old left-hander made his decision a week after withdrawing from a pre-season tour to Dubai with his county cricket club Somerset after checking in his luggage. It was to be the England opener's first overseas trip since flying home early from the Ashes tour in Australia in November 2006.

"I have tried on numerous occasions to make it back to the international stage and it has proved a lot more difficult than I expected," Trescothick told the Somerset website.

"I want to extend my playing career for as long as possible and I no longer want to put myself through the questions and demands that go with trying to return to the England team."

Great privilege

Trescothick's 76th and final Test was against Pakistan at the Oval in August 2006. His last one-day international, his 123rd, was also against Pakistan, at Southampton a month later.

"It has been a great privilege to represent my country, and I am grateful to the game of cricket for giving me the opportunity to excel at a sport that I enjoy so much," Trescothick said.