Marcus Trescothick last night spoke of his eagerness to test himself against the best players in the world again in the Twenty20 Champions League.

And the Somerset CCC batsman insisted he is confident of being fit and ready to produce his best form during the $6 million dollar tournament in India, his first trip abroad to play since having to quit England's 2006-07 tour to Australia.

Trescothick will travel to Hyderabad later than his Somerset team-mates, who fly out early on Sunday morning, and will be accompanied by his wife Hayley in a bid to ensure no repeat of the stress problems associated with touring, which brought a premature end to his international career.

But once in India he will stay at the team hotel and join in the practice sessions and at least one warm-up game building up to Saturday's opening Champions League fixture against the Deccan Chargers.

Asked what he was looking forward to most about the trip, Trescothick said: "Just experiencing playing in India again. I know it is a challenge after what I have been through, but cricket is a religion over there and the atmosphere at the games will be incredible.

"I enjoyed the Twenty20 Cup final over here this summer and experienced a real buzz appearing in front of a really big crowd again.

"I know I will get the same buzz in Hyderabad and it will be great for all the Somerset players. They may not realise it now, but they will be recognised whenever they leave the hotel because the public in India are so knowledgeable about their cricket."

After three years off the international stage, Trescothick is also looking forward to pitting his skills against the likes of Adam Gilchrist, who is set to lead the Deccan Chargers.

"He was one of the truly great top-order players at hitting the ball to all parts of grounds for Australia and I want to test myself against the best," said the former England opener.

"That goes for all the Somerset players. We will need to be prepared for the incredible crowd noise, which means you can't hear the calls when you are running between the wickets.

"You have to use hand signals – the spectators are so loud in India – and keep a close eye on the captain in the field because you can't hear him.

"It's going to be really special for all of us and a wonderful experience for the younger lads. Yes, there's a lot of money at stake, but you can't buy the opportunity to play in such an atmosphere.

"I'm feeling great, confident I'll be fine with the travelling and can't wait to get over there."