Foster out after breaking thumb

Alec Stewart's grip on the England wicketkeeping position was strengthened on Thursday with the news that his main rival James Foster will be out of action for up to six weeks after breaking his left thumb.

Foster, 22, took over as England wicketkeeper during the winter tours of India and New Zealand after Stewart made himself unavailable. He was granted a central contract this year but lost his place to Stewart when he fractured a forearm during net practice at the start of the season.

An England and Wales Cricket Board spokesman said Foster would be out of action for a further four to six weeks after breaking his thumb while keeping wicket for his county Essex against Glamorgan.

Stewart, 39 is playing a record 119th Test for England in the first Test against India which started at Lord's on Thursday.

Foster, who made his test debut on the India tour late last year, returned to the Essex side last week against Middlesex. He will see a specialist on Friday for a further assessment of the injury, sustained when keeping wicket to medium-pacer John Stephenson.

"This is a huge blow for me coming so soon after breaking my arm earlier in the season," said Foster. "The early indications are that I could be out for a while but we will have clearer idea once I have seen the specialist tomorrow."

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