Former Wanstead cricketer signs two-year deal to remain at the County Ground

Essex County Cricket Club have announced that James Foster has agreed a new two-year deal.

He will remain at the County Ground until the end of the 2017 season and extend his association with the Division Two team.

He has spent his entire professional career with the Eagles since making his debut on August 30 2000 against Glamorgan.

Over the past 15 years, Foster has been a crucial member of the Essex squad and that was reiterated in 2010 when he was handed the captaincy.

His creative batting and lightning sharp glove-work has allowed him to clock well over 12,000 first class runs at an average of 37.08 and pick up 785 dismissals.

Early in his career he was called up to the England squad and toured India and Sri Lanka in 2001 and 2002.

After that he featured in the Ashes before a lengthy wait for his new international cap.

It did come again, though, as he represented England in the 2009 Twenty20 World Cup and showed off his stunning skills behind the stumps.

On signing his new deal, Foster said: “I am delighted to be committing myself to Essex for a further two seasons.

“I thoroughly enjoy playing but also have a huge interest in coaching and it is something I am very eager to do in the future.

“But as long as I am still enjoying playing, and still keen to improve, I would like to play as long as I can.”

Head coach Chris Silverwood hailed Foster and believes he will play a key role with the talented youngsters at the club.

“James, in my opinion, is still one of the best wicketkeepers in the world and so for us to have signed him for a further two years is fantastic,” he said.

“He’s got vast experience and is a great individual to have around the Club, especially for the younger players coming through.”