Ben Cox will come face to face with his wicket-keeping idol James Foster tomorrow at Chelmsford – and forever grateful for the advice he passed onto him after Worcestershire's win over Essex earlier in the season.
Cox regards Foster as the number one keeper and tapped into his knowledge in a chat on the dressing room balcony at New Road before the long drive home.
He said: "To be honest, you've always got your idols and in my field, James Foster is the number one.
"He was the one I wanted to speak to and fortunately I got 15 minutes with him. He was very complimentary in what he said.
"He said 'keep doing what you are doing' – and it's worked. It's given me confidence and real belief that I can do the job.
"It was great that he did what he did after Essex had lost and he had a long trip home ahead of him but it shows the kind of guy he is.
"I only got to speak to him for 15 minutes but you could tell he is a genuine, honest guy and looking to help someone younger in his field.
"I can't thank him enough even for that 15 minutes and a bit of insight into his training and work ethic."
Worcestershire are already assured of being promoted to Division One of the LV = County Championship and need a maximum of six points at Chelmsford to be crowned champions.
Cox said: "We want to finish number one. We've been number one for most of the year. We're focused on finishing first. "
