Foster extends Essex contract until 2009

'I'm very happy at Essex. I'm really pleased with the way we are going as a team' © Getty Images

James Foster, the former England wicketkeeper, has extended his contract with Essex until 2009.

Foster, 26, had an improved season in 2006 averaging 42.41 and also took 68 catches, the most by a wicketkeeper in either division of the Championship.

"There was never any question or problem with me signing a new contract," Foster said, "but it just took a little longer to complete for a variety of reasons. It was just that there was no real massive panic because David East [the Essex chief executive] and myself both knew that I would sign it.

"I'm very happy at Essex. I'm really pleased with the way we are going as a team - I think we are going in the right direction," he said. "There's a great mix of youth and experience at the moment and I firmly believe we will be able to continue to push for silverware.

"Obviously in the last couple of years we've performed exceptionally well in one-day games and hopefully we can get promoted in the four-day game - which we should do. We just missed out this year but I believe we can do that. I'd love to be a part of an Essex team that is a force in the four-day game as well."