Foster stays at Essex until 2011

Essex's wicketkeeper, James Foster, has signed a contract extension until the end of the 2011 season.

Foster, 28, made over 1500 runs for Essex in 2008 and took over 70 catches, and Paul Grayson, the first-team coach, was pleased at the news.

"Foster has been outstanding for a few years now," said Grayson. "He is at the top of his game and has been consistent for the past few years. I honestly believe he is the best wicketkeeper in the country and James was the backbone of our success in 2008.

"If he was to have another good start to this season he could force his way into the Ashes squad and that is exactly what he deserves. He is the model professional as vice-captain of Essex."

Foster himself was delighted at the contract extension. "I love Essex, I am an Essex boy and I am very excited about the way the team is developing under the leadership of Mark Pettini and Paul Grayson," he told www.essexcricket.org.uk. "The 2008 season was the highlight of my involvement with Essex."

"I underwent surgery on my shoulder in October, the recovery took a little longer than I originally anticipated," he added. "However, I should be back to full fitness before the start of the season."