ESSEX: Foster fears for England future after World Twenty20 snub

ESSEX wicketkeeper James Foster fears he has no England future after being snubbed for the ICC World Twenty20 squad.

The 29-year-old, who was involved in the competition last year, is also upset that he has been given little guidance or information from the England management team as to why he is being constantly overlooked.

He said: "I'm very disappointed. To be honest I think maybe my time has gone now, but I'll keep chipping away and see what happens and keep working here at Essex, but I'm 30 this year and I reckon they are probably looking at other people.

"I had a chat with somebody (from England) towards the back end of last year which I didn't really quite understand the reasons why (I was being left out) because I didn't really get one, but that's just the way it was.

"I'm still waiting for a follow up chat but that conversation was the best part of six months ago, so I'm still waiting."

Indeed rival 'keeper Craig Kieswetter has leapt to prominence in recent weeks with some sterling performances for England and Foster says he doesn't have any problems with South Africans like Kieswetter playing for England.

Foster said: "As long as you are qualified and are playing well I don't have an issue at all."

Foster also missed out on a lucrative Indian Premier League contract earlier this year but is hoping to find a team next year.

"I originally put my name down as a feeler but there were no bites," he said.

"I noticed that there were only about two 'keepers in the fifty man auction, which neither got selected even Brad Haddin didn't and that's probably because each franchise team have got their keepers.

"Maybe next year, I think they are looking at getting two more franchises so the 'keepers around the world may be tempted, I'd like to do it big time.

"For me it's about opportunity, you never know if you perform in that sort of format then I think you give yourself a good chance to be selected for higher honours for your country."

Essex travel to Barbados for their pre-season tour next week before Foster jets off to Dubai to play in the inaugural MCC opener against county champions Durham.

Normally the clash takes place at Lord's but this year it will be played abroad under lights with a pink ball and the 'keeper is unsure if that form of cricket has longevity.

"It will be interesting," he said.

"We played a game with pink balls a couple of years ago in a friendly Twenty20 game and we found it quite difficult to be honest.

"So it will be interesting to see how it goes in the four day format.

"I found it very hard to judge the ball as a keeper I found it very difficult with the depth perception on the ball, I wasn't quite sure where it was and the ball was hitting my gloves hard.

"In the field there were a few dolly catches which people were dropping, but you have got to try these things out."