LONDON, Aug 17: Former England batsman Marcus Trescothick revealed on Sunday how he plunged into a state of depression as his international career fell apart. The 32-year-old Somerset opener’s dramatic decision to fly home from India and quit just before facing Australia in 2006 because of a “stress related illness” sparked speculation about the state of his mind and his marriage.

Now, in extracts from his autobiography, which is being serialised in The News of the World, Trescothick has admitted he was suffering so much he believed he was dying and even considered self-harming.

Describing his descent into depression in India, Trescothick said: “I was petrified. I started sweating heavily and shaking. My mind was racing. And I could hear a loud thumping noise — like someone banging a big drum. I couldn’t work it out. Then I realised it was my heart.

“Exhausted, emotionally vulnerable, isolated and far from home, I was ready for the taking.

“For a moment I was convinced I was dying. I knew I was in serious trouble...I had to get help.”

Trescothick, who was standing in as captain in place of Michael Vaughan at the time, immediately flew home to join wife Hayley and daughter Ellie, but even that couldn’t stop his downward spiral.

He explained: “Out of the blue, in front of Ellie and Hayley, I felt a massive surge of anxiety overwhelm me like a huge wave. It sucked the breath clean out of my lungs. The next 48 hours were hell.”—AFP