Ben Cox has paid tribute to fellow wicket-keeper James Foster after he has hung up his gloves with Essex at the age of 38.
The Worcestershire keeper has always been a big admirer of Foster who said goodbye to Essex members during a lunch-time ceremony at Chelmsford today.
He has always regarded Foster as the best keeper in the country during his own nine years in the professional game since making his debut against Somerset as a 17-year-old in 2009.
Vitality Blast finals day batting hero Cox said: “It’s sad to see Foz retire because, for me, he’s been the best keeper, and has been for some time.
“I’ve spoken before of my ambition to become the best keeper in the country but, for me, Foz has been that number one and the one to try and emulate.
“He’s had such high standards for so long, rarely misses a chance, and made it look effortless and if you can do that as a keeper then you’re doing well.
“But he was always willing to help, and pass on information and I remember three or four years ago when he was happy to have chat after a game at Worcester.
“I believe he will go down as one of the keeping greats and fully deserves it. He was a pleasure to watch and wish him all the best for what’s to come.”
Ben Cox also tweeted: “So nice to see @JamesFoster07 get the send off he deserves. He’ll go down as one of the wicket keeping greats and it’s fully deserved.
“He set the standard on and off the field. An idol not just for myself but many other keepers out there and I wish you all the best Foz .”
