Shropshire cricketer Ed Foster has negotiated a fresh chance to establish himself on the First Class scene.

The left-handed opener, who was released at the end of last season by Worcestershire, has been given a three-month contract by Leicestershire.

The initial deal will run from April until June and offers the Shrewsbury 22-year-old – currently spending the winter in Australia – an opportunity to prove his worth at county level.

“I feel it’s a situation that I can’t lose in as I look to get a chance at First Class cricket,” Foster said.

“They have a fairly small squad and head coach Tim Boon has told me there will be opportunities so I’m looking forward to putting myself in a position where I hopefully get some games.

“I already know a fair few of the squad so I’m looking forward to getting started.”

Foster has endured a frustrating time Down Under, where he is playing for Claremont Nedlands in Perth – having been ruled of cricket since before Christmas with a broken hand.

But he returned to action in style at the weekend, scoring a century to take his season’s tally to 460 runs at 66 per innings.

Foster was due captain Shrewsbury in Birmingham League division one this season, a move which may now be in some jeopardy.

Shropshire officials are also attempting to learn whether the opener will be available for their Minor Counties games when Foster isn’t on Leicestershire duty.