Marcus Trescothick backs Gary Ballance to break into England side

Ashes winner Marcus Trescothick is adamant it is a case of when and not if Gary Ballance breaks into the England team after hitting consecutive centuries for the Lions.

Ballance scored 104 in the drawn two-day tour match against Australia at Northampton and then 115 off 89 balls days later as the Lions pummelled Bangladesh A by 202 runs in an unofficial ODI.

It was the 23-year-old’s third successive century in total having also hit 139 for Yorkshire against the Unicorns in the YB40 on 13 August and fourth in six innings as his remarkable month continues.

And Trescothick, who made over 200 appearances for England in all three forms of the game, insists it is now only a matter of time before Ballance is handed his full international bow.

“People have really noticed Gary over the last couple of seasons and he has carried on his form,” said Trescothick, a veteran of 76 Tests during which he scored nearly 6,000 runs.

“It breeds confidence of course, knowing that you have produced some good results, and people are starting to recognise the achievements he has made.

“Personally I think you always wonder whether you are going to be good enough to make it at the highest level and once you start getting Lions call-ups, then you know you are very, very close.

“It just gives you that confidence boost. He’s really coming forward and putting his finger up so everyone can notice him. He has obviously got good concentration.”

Ballance averages over 60 in Yorkshire’s first season back in LV= County Championship Division One this term – a feat repeated in the YB40 as well.

And Trescothick, who has seen firsthand Ballance’s talents this season, he hit 107 in their first first-class clash with Somerset back in May, believes he is a player for all forms internationally.

“We played against him in a four-day game this year and he got 100, he looked a good player. We have seen the best parts of him,” said Trescothick, who was speaking on behalf of County Championship title sponsors LV=.

“He’s very strong, a very powerful hitter and developing in all forms at the moment. He has been very good this season.

“He has worked at his own for of game in the four-day game and I think he has developed on that more over the last few years.

“In one-day cricket he is more of a hitter – he hits the ball well – but he seems to pace his innings, which really comes out nicely.”

Marcus Trescothick was speaking on behalf of County Championship title sponsors LV=. To Vote for your LV=County Championship Breakthrough Player, visit www.LV.com/cricket