Former England wicket-keeper James Foster is to retire from cricket when his Essex contract expires at the end of the season and move into coaching.
The 38-year-old rose through the ranks at Essex from his days as a junior cricketer when he also represented England Under-19s.
He went on to make seven Test appearances for England and 11 in one-day internationals, while at domestic level he captained Essex, based in Chelmsford, east of London, to the 2017 County Championship title.
"It has been a real privilege to play for my home county and I am extremely proud to have represented England," said Foster, widely regarded as one of the best wicket-keepers of his generation, in a statement.
"Whilst playing has now come to an end, I am incredibly excited about the next phase of my career," added Foster, who has moved into coaching roles both at school level and with a number of Twenty20 sides, including Australia's Sydney Thunder.
"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," said Foster, who made his Test debut against India in Mohali in December 2001 and was, in the eyes of many observers, unfortunate not to win more Test caps.
"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."
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