Marcus Trescothick: Somerset's Steve Kirby backs captain

Somerset captain Marcus Trescothick will come back stronger from his recent poor run of form, according to pace bowler Steve Kirby.

Former England opener Trescothick, 37, has registered four consecutive ducks, including a pair in the Championship match with Sussex.

"You won't see that very often from Tres," Kirby told BBC Somerset.

"He's a top quality performer, as everyone knows, and has been for years and years. We are backing him 100%."

Trescothick, who played 76 Tests for his country, has spent his entire 20-year career at his home county and has hit 20,771 first-class runs at an average of 42.30, including 51 centuries and 102 half-centuries.

However his last four innings, including two T20 knocks, have lasted a combined total of 10 balls.

But Kirby warned: "I can tell you now - one team is going to get it and I wouldn't want to be that team."

Somerset finished runners-up in Division One last season but have managed just one win in 10 matches this term, leaving them sixth in the standings.

They lost to Sussex win by nine wickets inside seven sessions on Wednesday.

"Of course we're surprised by our form," Kirby said after day two at Taunton. "We've got some top quality performers and it's not something that we are used to.

"But now is the time to see the fight that these lads have got and I've got confidence in them. It's a tough time but that's when you stand up."