OUTGOING Somerset captain, Marcus Trescothick says leading his county for five seasons has been ‘a tremendous privilege and honour’, after the opening batsman today (Thursday) stepped down from the position he has held since 2010.

Australian Test batsman, Chris Rogers will take over the reins in the County Championship, while Jim Allenby, who skippered the club in the Royal London One-Day Cup in 2015, will lead the team in all white ball cricket this coming season.

Trescothick, 40, has vowed to give his ‘unconditional support’ to the pair stepping into his shoes and says he will be focusing on his own performances with the bat, when the new county season gets under way.

“I have loved being captain of Somerset,” he said.

“It has been a tremendous privilege and honour to lead this great club over many years, but now is the right time for change.

“I will be giving Chris and Jim my unconditional support, as well as focusing on scoring as many runs as I can in the season ahead.

“I would like to thank all of the players, coaches and members for their support during my tenure as the club captain.”

The club’s director of cricket, Matt Maynard thanked Trescothick for his ‘unbelievable contribution’ to the county and said he hopes the decision will prolong his playing career.

“Marcus has made an unbelievable contribution to the club as its captain over many years,” said Maynard.

“I know I will be joined by all of our members in thanking him for his unfailing commitment and dedication to leading the side.

“Marcus will now have an opportunity to focus all of his energies on his batting and we hope that stepping down from the captaincy will extend his playing career in the seasons to come.”

Somerset chairman, Andy Nash, said: “Marcus has been an outstanding captain, having served the club with passion, loyalty and commitment.

“He steps down from the captaincy with the same good grace and eloquence with which he inherited it.

“On behalf of everyone at Somerset County Cricket Club, we salute his great achievements and look forward to his continued contribution both on and off the field.”

Somerset kick-off the 2016 season on Sunday, April 10, with a trip to the North east to take on Durham at the Emirates ICG Ground.