England [Images] batsman Marcus Trescothick [Images] is to return home from the Ashes tour to Australia, the England and Wales Cricket Board said on Tuesday.

Trescothick has suffered a recurrence of the stress-related illness which led to him returning home from England's tour of India earlier this year.

"Following discussions between Marcus and the England medical staff, it was decided that Marcus should fly home at the earliest opportunity," England head coach Duncan Fletcher said in an ECB statement.

"We are naturally disappointed to lose a player of his quality from our Ashes squad and everyone in the dressing room hopes that he is able to make a full recovery and resume his cricketing career."

The statement said Trescothick, who has played in 76 Tests, flew out of Sydney International Airport earlier on Tuesday.

Trescothick played in the match against New South Wales which ended in a draw on Tuesday, making just eight runs in England's first innings.