Century-man Trescothick warms up for Pakistan

Marcus Trescothick has confirmed his status as an automatic choice for England's home test series against Pakistan by scoring four centuries in his first six innings of the English season.

Somerset's 25-year-old left-hander continued his rich vein of form with a rapid 112 against Gloucestershire in the Benson and Hedges Cup on Monday.

"Obviously you don't want to use all your runs up early in the season," he said.

"But there's no reason why I shouldn't take my form into the tests with Pakistan if I keep up my concentration."

England take on Pakistan at Lord's in the first test starting on May 17.

The opening batsman has only played nine tests yet has quickly established himself as an integral part of England's batting order in tests and one-dayers.

An unfussy player who relies on a straight bat, an upright stance and a determination to hit anything loose, Trescothick's temperament has particularly impressed.

He showed that on his test debut last year, making 66 and 38 not out against West Indies at Old Trafford. He then moved up a level with his maiden century against Sri Lanka in Galle in February.

Despite his mental toughness, Trescothick puts his current form down to even better concentration this season.

"The difference is that I'm very focused on what I'm doing. I'm giving myself an extra chance now by concentrating harder."

Trescothick began his season with 147 against Glamorgan in the county championship and has since made scores of 113, 23, 16, 109 not out and his latest 112 -- which he capped with three wickets for 30 with his medium pacers. In all cricket, he is averaging 104.

Most of the England players have been making only selective appearances during the first three weeks of the season.

Another man to catch the eye, however, is test reject Mark Ramprakash.

Ramprakash, dropped by England last season, scored 146 in his opening first-class innings for his new county Surrey -- who he joined from Middlesex -- and also has a 97 not out to his credit in the Benson and Hedges Cup as he bids to revitalise his career.

Mail Cricket Editor