‘Foakes the best wicketkeeper in the world’
Former England captain Alec Stewart has hailed the talented Ben Foakes, who hasn’t yet been capped at international level, as “best wicketkeeper in the world.”
This season marks Foakes’ third at Surrey, after his move from Essex in late 2014. He had a decent tour of Sri Lanka for the England Lions earlier this year – and averages 40.14 at first-class level. His work behind the stumps, meanwhile, has brought him 115 dismissals in first-class competition.
“I’ve got to be careful not to be biased when it comes to Foakes, because I reckon he’s the best wicketkeeper in the world,” said Stewart, who is director of cricket at Surrey.
“When he’s batting, he’s Test-match quality, but he’s got a very good cricketer ahead of him in Jonny Bairstow. So while Jonny is doing as well as he’s doing – and Jos Buttler at the moment is his number two – he’s got to fight his way, but if you asked me purely on glovework, he’s the best there is.”
England’s next assignments are two ODIs against Ireland in early May – and South Africa’s visit later that month. The Champions Trophy will follow.
Latest
-
NewsStephen Eskinazi stars in record-breaking Middlesex win over Gloucestershire
Paul Stirling made the first century of the Vitality Blast season for Birmingham Bears.
-
NewsOllie Robinson’s England hopes scuppered by back problem
The seamer was plagued by persistent back issues during the Ashes series and missed all three matches against the West Indies.
-
NewsJustin Langer blames politics for Australia exit and laughs off England links
Langer was linked with one of the two vacant posts with England.
-
NewsHe deserves to be there – England’s Matthew Potts backed to shine in Test arena
Potts has received his first international call-up for the squad to face New Zealand at Lord’s on June 2.
-
NewsOn this day in 2015: Trevor Bayliss appointed England head coach
The Australian leapfrogged initial front-runner Jason Gillespie to replace the sacked Peter Moores.
-
NewsAndrew Strauss sets five-year goal for England men’s side to rule all formats
The former England captain and director of cricket is overseeing a high performance review into English cricket.
-
NewsShane Warne to be remembered during England’s Test with New Zealand at Lord’s
The former player and TV pundit died aged 52 on March 4 after a suspected heart attack.
-
NewsSport moves fast – Ben Compton goes from relative unknown to England contention
The opener is averaging a spectacular 109.75 after amassing 878 LV= Insurance County Championship runs.
-
NewsDom Sibley can show he is England’s ‘best opener’ says team-mate Michael Burgess
The Warwickshire pair are part of a County Select XI that will face New Zealand in Chelmsford on Thursday.
-
County CricketWarwickshire chief executive insists The Hundred and Vitality Blast can coexist
Questions have been raised after reports of slow ticket sales for the Blast.