I am incredibly excited about the next phase of my career: Foster's open letter on his retirement

The 38-year-old, who scored 13,761 runs at an average of 36.69 and took 839 catches in first-class cricket alongside amassing over 18,000 runs in all formats, will retire after Essex decided not to renew his contract

^{Essex stalwart James Foster is to retire at the end of the season}

James Foster has penned a personal open letter to thank Essex and the county's fans after 19 years at the club.

The 38-year-old, who scored 13,761 runs at an average of 36.69 and took 839 catches in first-class cricket as well as amassing over 18,000 runs in all formats, will retire this autumn after Essex decided not to renew his contract.

Foster wrote: “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.”

Having played seven Tests, 11 one-day internationals and five T20 internationals for England, Foster has been widely regarded as one of the finest glovemen in the country over the past two decades. An Essex stalwart, he was a key part of his club’s County Championship triumph in 2017 but has found his chances limited in 2018.

^{James Foster featured in seven Test matches for England, playing his first against India in 2001}

In the open letter, Foster added: “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.”

Of late, Foster has undertaken various coaching positions in locations across the world as he looks to stay involved with the game post-retirement in a coaching capacity, with a Big Bash stint lined up at Sydney Thunder.

On his future, he wrote: “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 CV and experience over the last 3 years for various professional, franchise and international teams.

“I am delighted to be working with Sydney Thunder underneath Shane Bond in the upcoming BBL and again with Mahela Jayawardene at the Khulna Titans in the BPL 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.”

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