Essex coach Paul Grayson has claimed that James Foster deserves the opportunity to return to the England Test squad this summer.

Foster, who has not played a Test match since Boxing Day 2002, has averaged 75.50 in the County Championship this season, and Grayson believes that the Essex captain's form should be recognised as England head coach Peter Moores considers his options ahead of the series with Sri Lanka in June.

"If Peter Moores wants an experienced keeper to do the job - we all know Fozzy is the best keeper in the country," Grayson told BBC Essex.

"I really believe that James Foster deserves another opportunity. We know he is scoring some real vital runs for us and I'd like to see him get another opportunity to play for England."

Other candidates to wear the gloves are believed to be Matt Prior, who is currently battling an Achilles problem, Jonny Bairstow and Jos Buttler.