Rate it!

4 votes

Somerset wicket-keeper Craig Kieswetter has told Eurosport-Yahoo! that Marcus Trescothick's presence is "critical" ahead of their Champions League opener.

The West Country side face the formidable challenge of IPL champions the Deccan Chargers in their first match in Group A.

Kieswetter, who has been tipped by many to be one of the emerging talents from the inaugural tournament, thinks Trescothick and Justin Langer's roles in the side are key.

"I have played in India before and obviously we have Justin Langer and Marcus Trescothick to help us through with their experience," Kieswetter said. "It is critical to have them both there as the captain and vice-captain as they keep the whole dressing room calm and focused while performing themselves."

Kieswetter says the Somerset players are all treating the tournament as one-off experience, with Deccan representing the ultimate challenge.

"The Deccan Chargers have to be the favourites in my opinion and we are all massively excited about playing them: it will be a huge test of our abilities," he said.

"We are very much seeing this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and will relish the experience and look to progress as far as we can in the tournament."

The inaugural Champions League is the first time club sides have earned their places in an international tournament, and Kieswetter sees it as a unique chance for glory.

"It is not like the football Champions League where it is every year so for us to join it is a superb achievement. We will really enjoy the experience," he added.

"The whole concept of this tournament is to have the top Twenty20 sides in the world play each other, so for us to be there is incredible.

"I think that international cricket is the pinnacle of anyone's career, but this is probably the next best thing for a county player to be involved in."

The schedule and the sub-continent conditions have been much-publicised factors in the build up to the tournament but Kieswetter also thinks the fervent crowd support will benefit the IPL sides.

"The IPL sides have a lot of Indian players and they will receive a huge amount of support out there. We will have to get used the environment very quickly as well as the hostility of the crowds," he said.

"For example, Deccan are based in Hyderabad so they are going to have quite a following there.

"The weather and the schedule will be very tough as it will be very humid and we are travelling a lot. Preparation is the key and we have been working very hard.

"We will have to adjust to the conditions very quickly but I am confident we can do that and give a very good account of ourselves."

LIVE Champions League cricket as Cape Cobras face Otago Volts on Saturday at 12.15pm and Somerset face Deccan at 3.30pm, both on British Eurosport 2 (Sky 411 / Virgin Media 525); Also available on your PC via the Eurosport Player - click on the link under the picture to subscribe!

Dan Quarrell / Eurosport