Marcus takes job, but it nearly went to Freddie

From Back Page times and it’s put me off a bit, to be honest. I take him to the ground every day and he tells me the things he has to deal with. It’s a 24-hoursajob and it’s difficult to switch off, with all the phone calls at home and things like that. There are lots of problems and I try to help him through them. ‘I’ve also got to remember that I’m nearly 30 and I don’t expect the job to become vacant for another year or two, so it would probably be too late for me to take over at 32.’ England deliberated long and hard before handing the reins to Trescothick, previously touted as Nasser Hussain’s successor and long considered the vice-captain. Sportsmail can reveal the tourists were seriously tempted to give the job to Andrew Flintoff. Only worries over Flintoff’s workload and the fact that he thinks it might be too early to assume the added responsibility stopped them from springing a major surprise. Trescothick was uncertain he wanted the captaincy when initially sounded out. He was concerned it might jeopardise his productivity at the top of the order — crucial to England’s hopes in the three-match series — and called his wife to discuss the situation before accepting. ‘I spoke about it with my wife and we decided it was the right thing to do,’ he said. ‘I know it might be a one-off but it might also be for the whole series and it was exciting to think I might be in charge for three matches.’ Trescothick is determined to do the job his way. ‘I’m Michael’s right-hand man but we have different styles and I’m happy to be my own man. Michael is one of the best two or three captains in the world and his leadership was a major reason why we won the Ashes. ‘But there is no point in me trying to just copy him, rightly or wrongly.’ Trescothick led England to success in his one Test in charge, against New Zealand at Lord’s in 2004, when Vaughan again damaged his right knee.