James Foster, the Essex wicketkeeper, has undergone a knee operation to correct a minor problem he has suffered behind his right knee cap through the latter part of the season.

Mark Thomas, the Essex physio, told the club website: The procedure went better than expected as when actually inside the knee there was no evidence of a cartilage tear.

"However there was some minor damage to the medial patella (knee cap) and moderate synovitis at the back of the knee where he gets his pain. Synovitis is inflammation of the lining of the joint capsule causing pain and swelling."

Foster is expected to make a full and swift recovery.