London, July 14 : Indian origin England batsman Ravi Bopara has been selected in the Test team to play against South Africa.
Bopara’s impressive form in the one-dayers against Australia and Jonny Bairstow’s weakness against the West Indies’ short-pitched bowling, paved the way for the only change in the England squad for the first Test at the Oval, which starts on Thursday.
England coach Andy Flower had hinted at Bopara’s return, saying the batsman can finally re-launch his Test career. “We want him to do well, like him as a friend and rate him as a cricketer. We all know how talented he is and he must convert that into results for us,” he said.
Bopara is certain to bat at No 6 in the First Test against South Africa on July 19, the Daily Mirror reports.
The Essex star, 27, scored three centuries against West Indies in 2009 but he has played just seven Tests since then, and averages a disappointing 34.
© ANI
