Bopara in situ for promotion battle

Ravi Bopara made 52 not out to help Essex win at Lord's, and they will hope his runs strike a blow against Surrey tomorrow

Ravi Bopara returns to Essex’s ranks for the LV= County Championship match against Surrey, for the start of the Shepherd Neame Colchester Cricket Festival.

Bopara, left out of England’s squad for the deciding npower Ashes Test against Australia at the Brit Oval, will slot in at number three for his county as they chase a promotion spot in Division Two.

Essex first-team coach Paul Grayson said: “It is obviously a disappointment for Ravi not being included in the fifth Test.

“We are all sure that Ravi will come back a stronger player and stronger character. We are delighted to have Ravi back for Essex and we hope he can continue to make a positive contribution. That is now his focus.”

Tom Westley returns to the squad in place of Alastair Cook, away with England. Seamer Tony Palladino is left out, with Chris Wright preferred in a 12-man squad.

Tim Phillips offers a second spin option to Danish Kaneria.

Grayson added: “The team performed really well in the Middlesex game last week at Lord's. It was a really good team performance. We can now mount a challenge for promotion in the County Championship.

“It looks likely that Kent will gain promotion as division winners. This leaves the second place which four to five teams are now chasing. We have five remaining games left in the competition starting this week at Colchester.”

Andre Nel is missing from Surrey’s side after undergoing surgery on his elbow that rules him out for the rest of the season.

The former Essex and South Africa fast bowler is set to replaced in the Surrey side by Tim Linley.

There could also be a Surrey championship debut for the on-loan Sussex spinner Tom Smith, signed today as cover for the injured Simon King (foot).