England

Neil Foster

Born: May 06, 1962, Colchester, Essex

Neil Foster bio

Neil Alan Foster was a prominent cricket player from England whose career was marked by both success and adversity. Known for his exceptional seam bowling skills and ability to dismiss some of the best batsmen in the world, Foster’s career was unfortunately overshadowed by frequent injuries that plagued him throughout his time on the field.

Foster’s bowling style was characterized by a beautiful, upright action, which enabled him to generate remarkable outswing and seam movement in both directions. His ability to consistently trouble top-notch batsmen made him a valuable asset for the English cricket team.

One of Foster’s most notable achievements came during England’s triumphant victory in Madras in 1984-85. In his international debut, he surprised everyone by taking 11 wickets, playing an instrumental role in England’s success. This outstanding performance served as a testament to Foster’s skill and potential as a cricketer.

Another noteworthy moment in Foster’s career came during a test match against the formidable West Indies team at The Oval in 1988. In a truly remarkable display, Foster single-handedly demolished the West Indies’ top order, showcasing his prowess with the ball. This performance further solidified his reputation as a formidable bowler.

Foster’s ability to dismiss established batsmen was most evident in his unique feat of dismissing batting legends Javed Miandad and Viv Richards for a duck in a test match. This remarkable accomplishment showcased Foster’s ability to excel under pressure and reinforced his status as one of England’s finest bowlers.

However, despite his success on the field, Foster’s career was hampered by a series of injuries, particularly to his back and knees. The severity of these injuries was such that the metallic plates in his body once triggered an airport metal-detector. Over the course of his career, Foster underwent a staggering nine knee operations, which significantly impacted his ability to perform at his best consistently.

Despite his injuries, Foster remained determined and committed to his sport. In 1989, he joined the controversial rebel tour to South Africa, showcasing his unwavering passion for cricket. However, upon his return to Test cricket, Foster faced a challenging situation as he struggled to perform at his best on his supposed “bogey ground” – Lord’s, where his bowling average was 51. He eventually retired from the sport merely a week after making his comeback, forced to succumb to the toll that injuries had taken on his body.

Neil Alan Foster’s extraordinary career was a testament to his exceptional skill as a seam bowler. Despite being plagued by injuries that cut his playing days short, his ability to consistently trouble some of the best batsmen in the world showcased his talent and potential. Foster’s contributions to the sport of cricket will forever be remembered, standing as a reminder of his commitment, skill, and resilience in the face of adversity.

Neil Foster career stats

Batting stats

Batting Matches Innings Nos Runs High score Ave BF SR 100s 50s 4s 6s Ct St
Tests 29 45 7 446 39 11.73 1223 36.46 0 0 54 4 7 0
T20Is - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
ODIs 48 25 12 150 24 11.53 244 61.47 0 0 9 0 12 0
FC 230 269 59 4343 107* 20.68 - - 2 11 - - 116 0
List A 215 113 40 1247 62 17.08 - - 0 2 - - 49 0
T20s - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Bowling stats

Bowling Matches Innings Balls Runs Wkts BBI BBM Ave Econ SR 4w 5w 10w
Tests 29 47 6261 2891 88 8/107 11/163 32.85 2.77 71.1 2 5 1
T20Is - - - - - - - - - - - - -
ODIs 48 48 2627 1836 59 3/20 3/20 31.11 4.19 44.5 0 0 0
FC 230 - 45833 22196 908 8/99 - 24.44 2.9 50.4 - 50 8
List A 215 - 10954 7128 292 5/17 5/17 24.41 3.9 37.5 7 2 0
T20s - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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