With just two days to go before the start of the Ashes series England opener Marcus Trescothick is in confident mood.

At the end of the third day of the final warm up game against Queensland at Brisbane he told told: "I'm looking forward to Thursday and hope that I can score a century in both innings, and that England win the first test match and the series."

He continued:"I was disappointed to be run out when I was on 46 and would have liked to have scored more runs in the early matches. Thankfully my injury is feeling O.K. and I'm in good shape ahead of the match."

Marcus told me that it has been very hot over in Brisbane and that there had just been a thunderstorm.

Tuesday is going to be a day off for the England team ahead of the final day of preparation on Wednesday and Marcus told me that he was going to spend it `doing a bit of shopping'

Regarding his Somerset team mate Andrew Caddick he told me: "Caddy is in good spirits and bowling well. He is also really looking forward to it."

The left hander from Keynsham talked about comments that are being made by the Australians ahead of Thursdays Ashes opener. He told me: "We are getting a lot of stick wherever we go. People are coming up to us even when we are out for a meal and telling us that we are going down."

Marcus had a message for all of the fans back in England. He told me: "Thank you for all your good wishes and support it means a lot to us to know that all of our supporters back at home are rooting for us."

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