Marcus deserves rapid Test recall, says Simon

But the bond forged during their Ashes triumph has become so strong through their shared experience of adversity that they will also be quietly willing the other to succeed.

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Trescothick wants runs to keep his name in the thoughts of the England selectors and new coach Peter Moores as he continues his recovery from the stress-related illness that forced him to quit the Ashes tour last November.

Jones, who will today send down his first delivery in competitive cricket after 20 injury-cursed months since he helped England win the fourth Ashes Test of 2005,needs wickets to persuade them that he is an option for the summer series against West Indies, starting on May 17 at Lord's.

If he makes it, the Welsh paceman wants his mate Trescothick there, too. Jones said: "It's been hard for us to watch on and miss out at the same time and we've grown closer because of it. We've been in regular contact via text messages.

"I felt for him in a big way because I know what it's like to miss out through injury, but when you're mentally not right that must be worse. It looks like he's over it, which is fantastic news. A lot has gone on, but Tres and I are keen to get involved again with the lads and start turning results around."

They aren't the only ones pressing for comebacks. Steve Harmison put his Ashes nightmare behind him yesterday and showed Moores that his radar is working again by completing a fivewicket haul in Durham's Championship triumph over Worcestershire, finishing with match figures of eight for 115.

Jones said: "International cricket is our stage. Some players have big game temperaments and Tres and myself feel that's where we belong. England have missed him badly because not only is he an awesome player but he also has a calming presence on the field. When he walks in to bat you are confident he's going to be there a while and you can sit back and relax.

"It's so good to see him back as he's such a great guy, a real team man and someone you can rely on to perform. I'd like to see him put straight back in against the Windies."

England would,indeed,welcome back a fit Jones, with his pace and reverseswing, and a focused Trescothick.

Jones said: "I'm just itching to get back. After all this time out, I'm feeling mentally and physically fresh."