Past Olympic recipients have included the long distance runner Paula Radcliffe and rower Tim Foster, who both have connections with the town.

BBC: Olympic canoeist Etienne Stott given freedom of Bedford

The youngster was stumped by James Foster off Tim Phillips and James Hockley was bowled by Danish Kaneria soon after, but this was to be Essex's final success of the day.

BBC: Kent's Geraint Jones puts Essex on back foot

Matt Prior, Tim Ambrose and Steve Davies have all pulled on the gloves for England this winter, but Foster does have the advantage of having played with acting coach Andy Flower, a former wicketkeeper for Zimbabwe, at Essex.

BBC: Foster plays down England chances