Bopara gets England call-up

Essex batsman Ravi Bopara has been selected in England’s 13-man squad for the third Test at Edgbaston, which starts next week.

Tim Bresnan will be fighting to retain his place after an impressive performance at Trent Bridge.

Bopara, who has scored three centuries in ten Test matches, has been recalled to the squad to cover the injured Jonathan Trott.

Trott picked up a shoulder injury while fielding in the most recent Test after he went over awkwardly on his shoulder.

The 26-year-old Bopara fought of stiff competition from Leicestershire’s James Taylor, who scored 98 for England Lions against Sri Lanka A on Friday at Scarborough.

Ravi Bopara comes in for Jonathan Trott who is continuing his rehabilitation from his shoulder injury.

Geoff Miller

England’s national selector Geoff Miller said: “We have seen some very pleasing performances during the first two npower Test matches.

“But there is still plenty more to do in this series and the squad and management will be determined to carry the momentum from recent weeks through to the remaining two Tests and push for a comprehensive series victory.

“Ravi Bopara comes in for Jonathan Trott who is continuing his rehabilitation from his shoulder injury.”

Meanwhile, Middlesex bowler Steve Finn has been drafted into the squad for bowling cover as Chris Tremlett - who missed the second Test with a back spasm - recovers from injury.  Yorkshire’s Tim Bresnan was an able deputy in England 319-run victory at Trent Bridge and Finn will stuggle to replace the all-rounder, but if Tremlett is declared fully fit then a tough choice will have to be made over the final bolwing spot in the England line-up.

Full 13-man squad to face India in the third Test at Edgbaston: Andrew Strauss (capt), Alastair Cook, Ian Bell, Kevin Pietersen, Eoin Morgan, Ravi Bopara, Matt Prior (wk), Stuart Broad, Tim Bresnan, Graeme Swann, James Anderson, Chris Tremlett, Steven Finn.

England are 7/5 to win the third Test, while India can be backed at 15/4.

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