Foster, who was unfortunate to be released by Worcestershire at the end of last season despite a string of impressive displays in their second XI, was always hopeful he would attract interest from another county.
And now Leicestershire have offered him a contract, initially for the first three months of the new season, with Foster excited by the chance to prove himself at Grace Road.
The Foxes know all about Foster, currently playing grade cricket in Australia for Perth-based Claremont Nedlands, from the time he spent at university in the county as a free-scoring member of Loughborough’s renowned Academy.
And the fact that the 22-year-old from Belle Vue already knows several members of the club’s playing staff, among them fellow Leicestershire new boy Taylor – currently on England under-19 World Cup duty – should help him settle in.
“I’m looking forward to it,” said Foster. “Jimmy and I keep following each other around and I get on well with him so that’s another bonus.”
Foster added: “Leicestershire have offered me a good and attractive deal for the season which had been in the pipeline since before Christmas.
“At the moment it stands at the first three months of the season, April, May and June, and then the situation will be reviewed, and obviously hopefully extended until the end of the season.
“I’m pleased as it was Leicestershire who contacted me with head coach Tim Boon ringing me in November. He explained that there are opportunities available at the club, especially as they have a small staff.
“I feel, having played second team cricket for a number of years now, that I can play at that level and now all I need is the opportunity to prove myself at the next level. I see it as a situation where I cannot lose.
“Leicestershire’s base is very close to Loughborough so it’s good that the area is familiar and I’m looking forward to hooking up with a number of friends I already have at the club.
“Leicestershire’s vice-captain Jim Allenby is playing here at Claremont Nedlands and I know a number of their staff from playing at Loughborough.”
Foster believes ex-England paceman Graham Dilley, his coach at Loughborough, also probably played a part in setting up the move given his close links with the club.
Foster had been elected as Shrewsbury’s new captain for the 2008 season with the county town club hopeful he would spearhead their Birmingham League first division promotion challenge.
But Foster’s switch to Leicestershire is now likely to lead to a rethink at London Road, with Foster admitting: “At the moment I don’t know how it will affect playing for Shrewsbury.”
Foster made his return from a broken hand for Claremont last weekend, celebrating his deal with Leicestershire in style by going out and making a century in the Western Australian sunshine.