If this turns out to be James Foster’s final season in professional cricket, the Essex wicketkeeper and former captain will leave with a sense of achievement that seemed improbable not long ago. Foster, at 37, finds himself at the end of his current contract, and although there’s an offer for another year, Essex’s unexpected triumph in the Championship might serve as a fitting conclusion to his career.
Returning to Chelmsford amidst the jubilant celebrations that kicked off the night before in Birmingham, “Fozzy” was feeling a bit hazy. While considering a potential one-year extension, he’s also contemplating his next steps beyond playing.
Throughout this year, he’s been actively involved in coaching roles with Scotland and MCC Young Cricketers, alongside his responsibilities as the cricket professional at Forest School in Walthamstow.
Having earned his England cap at just 21, Foster is widely regarded, alongside Chris Read, as one of the premier keepers of his era. His tally of 800 dismissals in first-class cricket for Essex places him second only to Brian Taylor in the club’s history.
Despite starting this season on the bench with Adam Wheater taking over behind the stumps, Foster fought his way back into the XI and contributed to the team’s title victory – a pinnacle moment after his 17-year tenure with Essex.
Reflecting on this achievement, Foster expressed, “Without a doubt, coming towards the twilight of my career, I’m absolutely thrilled to have clinched a County Championship. Every year, witnessing other teams celebrate victory, you wonder, ‘Wouldn’t it be nice to be in their shoes?’ And now, we’ve finally made it happen.”
Foster had experienced promotions with Essex before, but they were followed by swift relegations each time. Thus, becoming a Championship winner at this stage came as a surprise.
“Honestly, probably not,” he admitted. “Given my advancing career and our history of Division Two cricket, coupled with previous ups and downs in Division One, I never thought this moment would come. But I’m overjoyed that it has, especially considering our performance this season. It’s been a gradual build-up since last season’s Division Two victory, but to achieve this, I’m absolutely thrilled.”
Foster, accompanied by three other England players in the squad – Alastair Cook, Ravi Bopara, and Tom Westley – acknowledged the talent within the team. However, he confessed that Essex’s success caught him off guard, especially given the rarity of a promoted team winning the title the following year.
Reflecting on the season, Foster highlighted their first fixture against Lancashire as a turning point. Despite facing a daunting target, they managed to salvage a draw thanks to an exceptional innings by Daniel Lawrence. “That game instilled a lot of belief in us,” Foster noted. “Then we started to gain momentum with subsequent victories. It’s been a collective effort; everyone has stepped up.”
Having captained the team under the previous coach, Paul Grayson, during their Division Two stint, Foster praised the current coaching duo of Ryan ten Doeschate and Chris Silverwood for their contributions to back-to-back title wins.
“They’ve been exceptional,” he commended. “They complement each other well and have instilled a relaxed yet focused atmosphere within the team. Chris advocates fearless cricket, and our performances on the pitch are a testament to their guidance.”
Should Foster decide to hang up his gloves, he’ll be remembered as one of Essex’s most distinguished players. His teammates, particularly Bopara, expressed their delight in seeing the club’s longest-serving player rewarded with silverware. “I’m especially happy for Foz,” Bopara remarked. “We should savor this victory for the weeks to come.”
