BACK IN THE MIX .. Ravi Bopara
Published: Today at 12:59
RAVI BOPARA is in line to play his first international Test in almost a year after being named in England's squad to face South Africa.
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Bopara, 27, was one of the six batsmen in the 13 announced this morning for
the clash at The Oval next week.
It was last August, at the same venue, that Bopara won his 12th Test cap.
He stepped in for the injured Jonathan Trott for the innings victory over India, which completed a 4-0 series whitewash.
Following Eoin Morgan’s loss of form last winter, the Essex batsman seemed certain to return at the start of this summer.
But he injured his thigh playing for his county the day before the squad was announced for the first Investec Test against the West Indies at Lord’s.
Jonathan Bairstow was chosen to make his debut instead, only to fail to do enough in that 2-0 series win to retain his place for the first of three matches against South Africa.
National selector Geoff Miller said: "We have played some very good cricket over the last couple of months in all formats to win series against the West Indies and Australia.
"After a month of limited-overs cricket, preparations are now under way for what is sure to be a very competitive Test series against South Africa.
“We know we will need to play excellent cricket to win this three-match series and the squad will be determined to start with a strong performance this week.
“Bopara has worked hard to regain his place in the Test squad, following some injury concerns earlier in the season, and is the only player included who is yet to play a Test match this summer.”
Miller added: “We always hope for something big from all our players when we select them in the England side and over the last few years they’ve produced on most occasions.
“We would like to see something big from him Bopara, but he’s only part of the side so he needs to actually perform to cement his place.”
It was last August, at the same venue, that Bopara won his 12th Test cap.
He stepped in for the injured Jonathan Trott for the innings victory over India, which completed a 4-0 series whitewash.
Following Eoin Morgan’s loss of form last winter, the Essex batsman seemed certain to return at the start of this summer.
But he injured his thigh playing for his county the day before the squad was announced for the first Investec Test against the West Indies at Lord’s.
Jonathan Bairstow was chosen to make his debut instead, only to fail to do enough in that 2-0 series win to retain his place for the first of three matches against South Africa.
National selector Geoff Miller said: "We have played some very good cricket over the last couple of months in all formats to win series against the West Indies and Australia.
"After a month of limited-overs cricket, preparations are now under way for what is sure to be a very competitive Test series against South Africa.
“We know we will need to play excellent cricket to win this three-match series and the squad will be determined to start with a strong performance this week.
“Bopara has worked hard to regain his place in the Test squad, following some injury concerns earlier in the season, and is the only player included who is yet to play a Test match this summer.”
Miller added: “We always hope for something big from all our players when we select them in the England side and over the last few years they’ve produced on most occasions.
“We would like to see something big from him Bopara, but he’s only part of the side so he needs to actually perform to cement his place.”
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