Hampshire bid to lure Foster to Rose Bowl

Hampshire have launched an audacious attempt to sign Essex captain James Foster.

It is understood that Foster, who is out of contract at Essex at the end of this season, has said he would be interested in talking to Hampshire and will be offered the role of captain at The Rose Bowl. He has, it is understood, been offered a large increase upon the salary he receives at Essex.

"Hampshire have asked for permission to speak to James," Paul Grayson, Essex's director of cricket told ESPNcricinfo. "We told them there's no point waiting the normal 28-days: if they want to speak, they may as well speak.

"We don't want to lose him. We've offered him a three-year contract that would make him the best-paid player at Essex. We hope the issue will be resolved this week. We need to know one way or the other this week so we can make plans for next season.

"I hope he'll be loyal to us. But sometimes these big clubs come along with a pot of gold and it can turn a player's head. We understand that.

"Let's make this clear: we want him to stay," added Grayson. "We consider him, after Matt Prior, as the best wicketkeeper batsman in the country and we want him to finish his career at Essex. But if he does go we have two very promising young wicket-keeper batsmen in Adam Wheater and Ben Foakes. In that respect, we're very fortunate."

The attraction of Foster to Hampshire is obvious. The 31-year-old has been hailed by Jack Russell as the best keeper in the world and, with a first-class batting average of 36, he would strengthen Hampshire's middle-order. He is also most unlikely to be required by England or England Lions in the future.

It would be a controversial move, however. Not only is Foster currently Essex's captain, but he's midway through a benefit season.

Hampshire currently have three keepers on their staff: 37-year-old Nic Pothas, 20 year-old Michael Bates and 19-year-old Adam Rouse. While Pothas is coming to the end of a fine career, Bates is a local boy who has made a fine impression behind the stumps and has played a significant role in Hampshire's T20 success over the last year.

For all his excellence with the gloves, however, Bates hasn't scored the runs required by wicketkeepers in the modern game. His first-class batting average is just 14.91 and his List A average only 7.20.