Former England wicketkeeper James Foster on Friday (September 14) announced that he will retire from professional cricket at the end of the ongoing English domestic season.

Essex’s decision to not renew his contract and choose Adam Wheather over the keeper has forced Foster to take the decision. Foster, who has played for Essex since 2000, represented England in 7 Tests, 11 ODIs and 5 T20Is. His last Test appearance came during the 2002/03 Ashes whereas the last time he played for England in any format was during the 2009 World T20.

Whilst Foster never established himself on the international stage, he was always regarded highly for his wicket-keeping skills.

After Foster’s retirement news surfaced in media, Wisden Cricket tweeted an article on him with a caption reading: “Arguably the best wicket-keeper in the world over the last 15 years retires today.”

Astounded by Wisden Cricket’s high praise on Foster, India’s esteemed commentator Harsha Bhogle replied: "In the world"?

Commenting on Harsha’s reply, England and Kent glovesman Sam Billings wrote: “They’re not wrong harsh! He is unbelievable.”

Explaining his remark, Bhogle retorted by writing: “Not denying it Sam, I've heard only good things about Foster. But there might be another keeper somewhere they may not have seen, maybe he would have struggled in certain conditions....we don't always know and so, "in the world" could be a tad exaggerated and unfair to others.”

As far as Foster’s wicket-keeping credentials are concerned – he took 17 catches and affected 1 stumping in his brief Test career while he claimed 13 catches and 7 stumpings in ODIs. In 5 T20Is, Foster grabbed 3 catches and as many stumpings.

Noteworthy, Foster has played 289 First-Class, 223 List A and 179 T20s wherein he boasts a staggering record. Foster took 1164 catches and affected 174 stumpings in non-international games.