He captained the side between 2010 and 2015 having made his debut in 2000.
He released a statement saying: “I have really enjoyed my 19 years as a professional cricketer and it is with great sadness that I will no longer be an Essex player. It has been a real privilege to play for my home county and I am extremely proud to have represented England.
“Thank you to all the Essex players for making it such an enjoyable changing room and winning the County Championship in 2017 was one of my happiest memories. What I appreciated most at the club was the way coaches, management, support staff, stewards and supporters have always made my family feel so welcome at the club, for that, I am truly grateful.
Thank you to all the coaches I have worked with during my career, especially those who have undergone shoulder reconstructions due to the amount of balls thrown at me in training over the years!
“I feel it is especially important to highlight Stuart Turner, Joe Hussain, Graeme Fowler, Nasser Hussain, Graham Gooch, Dave Houghton, Paul Farbrace, Andy Flower, Nick Wilton and Bruce French. They were all instrumental in my development at various stages within my career and they are probably unaware of the impact they had.
“A special mention must go to my Mum and Dad, sisters and my incredible wife and daughters for their unwavering and loyal support.”
Foster will now be working with Sydney Thunder in a coaching role underneath Shane Bond in the upcoming BBL and again with Mahela Jayawardene at the Khulna Titans in the BPL this winter.
He continued: “Whilst playing has now come to an end, I am incredibly excited about the next phase of my career. I have been working extremely hard on building my coaching C.V. and experience over the last 3 years for various professional, franchise and international teams. I am delighted to be working with Sydney Thunder in the upcoming BBL and again with the Mahela Jayawardene this winter. Before that, I am very excited to be coaching the Afghanistan Boost Defenders during the ADT20 in Abu Dhabi and I will also continue to coach the talented youngsters at Forest School.
“I wish Essex CCC all the best in the future and look forward to following them as a keen fan.”
Current Essex captain Ryan ten Doeschate paid tribute to the stare.
He said: “I can’t put into words how great it’s been to share a dressing room with Fozzy [James Foster]. He’s been the rock at Essex for all of the time I’ve played here, the most thorough professional and a cherished friend through thick and thin.
“Over the last 15 years he’s been a big presence and a great example in the dressing room, we’re going to miss him next season.”
Tags: Essex Cricket
