Marcus Trescothick

Nottingham: England captain Michael Vaughan and his opposite number, Rahul Dravid, have reacted to senior pro Marcus Trescothick’s decision to not make himself available for the 2007-08 season as well.

Vaughan was particularly sympathetic. That shouldn’t surprise as The Telegraph learns he’s a “close buddy” of the stressed out Trescothick.

The following are excerpts from what they said on Thursday:

VAUGHAN: It’s very much an individual decision... I respect it... One can have an opinion, but only he knows what he’s going through... He’s probably made the right decision as he can come back when fully ready... I’ve heard that he has ambitions to play for England again and, when he does make himself available, I’m sure he’ll get a game... He’s not getting any younger, but one does miss senior players... His experience and seniority would be helpful...

DRAVID: I’m not aware of the circumstances, but he has been a great champion and an asset for England... As a lot of cricket is played, it puts players under pressure... You’ve got to devise strategies to counter that... Some years are tough for Indian cricketers, some not so tough... Because we don’t know where we’ll be in our summer — one July in the West Indies, next in England — managing the players is tougher in India... England and Australia don’t travel out in their summers...

‘LINE NOT CROSSED AT LORD’S’

RAHUL DRAVID: The first Test was played in good spirit... I don’t think the line got crossed at any time during the match... You expect a bit of needle in a close game... It’s probably good... Tempers can get frayed, but nothing untoward happened.

MICHAEL VAUGHAN: We do play with intensity, but I don’t think there ever was anything more than light banter... Don’t think (Dinesh) Karthik said anything on the fourth evening... Don’t think Sourav (Ganguly) said something (offensive) either...

OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT IN NOTTINGHAM