Marcus Trescothick has raised doubts about the viability of England's forthcoming tour to India. In a frank interview with the Mail on Sunday, Trescothick recalls his time in Pakistan last winter, specifically his trip through the Khyber Pass to the Afghan border, during England's warm-up match at Peshawar.

"I've been thinking all week about what we saw there," he said. "The smugglers' town. The view through the pass from the border. What a different world that must be right now."

"You try to concentrate on your cricket but you do see the problems. It can be unbearable, to be honest."

England depart for Zimbabwe next week, beginning 18 months of jet-setting that will take in trips to India and New Zealand, and culminate in an Ashes series down under in 2002-03. He is phlegmatic about the sacrifices that lie ahead.

"I wouldn't want to be going to India next week and I have every support for what the Kiwis have done by pulling out of their trip to Pakistan."

"A lot depends on what happens in the next couple of weeks. A month ago we probably would not have gone to Zimbabwe, but now things have calmed down a little and the authorities have guaranteed our safety."

Trescothick's impressive entry to Test cricket has made him a pivotal member of a young one-day squad. He admits to having learnt much from his opening partner, Michael Atherton.

"When I was winning my first cap, Athers was winning his 100th. He has an immense knowledge and, hopefully, I can [still] pick his brains."

The most durable England cricketer of recent times, Atherton never failed to retain a sense of perspective during his darkest days. England would do well to feed off his example in the coming months.

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd