Sadly England seems to have lost the sheer competitiveness and quality in the 'keeper department. During the mid to late 1990's England could chose from Alec Stewart, Jack Russell, Richard Blakey and Warren Hegg. All international class 'keepers and in Stewart and Blakey fine batsmen as well.
Even though England have two of the highest regarded 'keepers in world cricket in Chris Read and James Foster (below), both have never been given the opportunity due to apparently being weak batsmen.
However, this season has seen Foster start off in great style both behind the stumps and in the middle. Against Durham he shared a record 5th wicket stand for Essex scoring 169 against bowlers such as Mark Davies and Liam Plunkett who both have been involved with England this winter. He also managed 88 against Hampshire in the opening fixture and seems in good nick.
Matt Prior's place has also again started to come under scrutiny. Although since returning to the England side his glove work has improved, certain people still feel it is under-par especially compared to someone like Foster who reminded cricket fans what he can do in last years world 20/20 when he stumped Yuvraj Singh, something most keepers wouldn't have been quick enough to manage.
Prior (above) has lost his spot in the 20/20 team to Craig Kieswetter, the South-African born 'Keeper-Batsman who impressed in Bangladesh and for England Lions with the bat but again many feel his glove work is not up to scratch and he has failed so far in the county championship with the bat.
The other rival for the 'keeper spot is Steve Davies. After an impressive summer for Worcestershire last year he was called up as a replacement for Prior in the Champions Trophy and made his ODI debut against Australia managing just 5. However, he toured with England as the back-up 'keeper to Prior suggesting that his name is in the frame.
One name that could possibly be on an England team sheet in years to come is Yorkshire's Jonny Bairtsow. Jonny is the son of former England and Yorkshire 'Keeper David Bairstow and is follwowing in his dad's footsteps in taking the role on at Yorkshire at with some success. The 20-year-old made his debut last season as a batsman and impressed with three half centuries along with replacing Yorkshire's first-choice 'keeper behind the stumps.
Although many will say Prior will hold onto the gloves for this winter's Ashes, Foster has reignited his hopes of challenging for the place along with showing his class as a potential international all-rounder. If England also continue to play with 6 batsmen and the 'keeper going in at 7 would Foster look out of place? This one will last until someone finally nails down the place.
