Cricket-News.Org

Wicketkeeper James Foster has signed a new three-year contract with Essex that will keep him at the Club until the end of the 2009 season.

The 26-year-old enjoyed an outstanding 2006 season, claiming more dismissals than any other keeper in either division of the County Championship (68) and also scoring 721 runs @ 42.41.

In addition, the London-born cricketer played a major role in Essex’s successful one-day season that culminated in silverware in both the NatWest Pro40 and the Twenty20 Floodlit Cup.

Foster underwent a knee operation at the end of the September but is now back in full training after a successful rehabilitation period.

Foster told the Essex CCC website (www.essexcricket.org.uk):

“There was never any question or problem with me signing a new contract but it just took a little longer to complete for a variety of reasons.

“It was just that there was no real massive panic because (Chief Executive) David East and myself both knew that I would sign it.

“I’m very happy at Essex. I’m really pleased with the way we are going as a team - I think we are going in the right direction. There’s a great mix of youth and experience at the moment and I firmly believe we will be able to continue to push for silverware.

“Obviously in the last couple of years we’ve performed exceptionally well in one-day games and hopefully we can get promoted in the four-day game - which we should do. We just missed out this year but I believe we can do that. I’d love to be a part of an Essex team that is a force in the four-day game as well.”

A full interview with James Foster in the ‘looking back, looking forward’ series will appear on the Essex CCC website next week.