January 14, 2007	Sunday	Zilhaj 23, 1427

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LONDON, Jan 13: Troubled opener Marcus Trescothick's international career appears doomed after he was left out of England's 30-man training squad for the upcoming World Cup, announced on Saturday.

There is a similarly bleak outlook for veteran pacemen Darren Gough and wicket-keeper Geraint Jones, who have both been excluded from the extended squad.

After missing the Champions Trophy because of a stress-related illness, Trescothick was declared fit to play in the Ashes series and was duly selected.

However, he returned home after less than two weeks in Australia, again citing a form of depression for his sudden departure.

Despite the 31-year-old's experience and his strong record, selectors decided to leave him out of the World Cup and there must be grave doubts over his international future.

England chairman of selectors David Graveney said the veteran of 123 One-day Internationals could not be considered, with the final squad to be announced on Feb 15.

“I live near Marcus in Bristol and have been monitoring his recovery,” Graveney said. “We decided not to consider him for World Cup selection.”

Trescothick's last appearance for England was when he was dismissed for a first-ball duck against Pakistan last September.

Gough, who was also overlooked for England's disastrous Champions Trophy campaign, was hoping to earn a recall for the World Cup, but was ruled out because of concerns about his general level of fitness.

“We are eager to ensure everyone is given every chance to prove their fitness but we are not prepared to select players for this upcoming World Cup that we anticipate will not reach a satisfactory level of fitness.—AFP