James Foster loses Essex captaincy for next season
Tuesday 22 December 2015 12:26, UK
James Foster will not captain Essex next season following the departure of his close friend and head coach Paul Grayson.
Foster, 35, has led the Eagles since 2010 and has been offered a new contract to continue as the county's wicketkeeper, but new coach Chris Silverwood must now find a captain.
A club statement read: "Essex County Cricket Club can announce that James Foster is no longer club captain.
"The club would like to thank James for his service as captain over the last five years and look forward to him being a major part of Essex's future.
"James has been offered a new contract to extend his time at the county, (having made) his first-class debut in 2000."
Silverwood could plump for multiple captains for the different formats next season, with Ravi Bopara, Graham Napier, Jaik Mickleburgh and Tom Westley all leading candidates.
The statement concluded: "The club will review captaincies in the new year and in what direction to proceed ahead of the 2016 season."
Foster played seven Tests and 11 one-day internationals for England in 2001 and 2002, as well as five games in 2009's World Twenty20 tournament.
