Cricket: Bopara to play for Gloucestershire (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

England international Ravi Bopara to play for Gloucestershire against South Africa

12:51pm Tuesday 21st August 2012 in Sport

RAVI BOPARA will play for Gloucestershire in tomorrow’s eagerly-awaited one-day clash with the South Africans at Bristol.

The 27-year-old Essex and England all-rounder was nominated by the ECB when Gloucestershire approached them about fielding a guest in the 50-over match against the tourists, which starts at 10.15am.

Bopara was today named in England’s squads for the one-day international series against South Africa, which begins at the Swalec Stadium on Friday night, and the T20 internationals which follow.

Gloucestershire chief executive Tom Richardson said: “We are delighted to have a player of Ravi’s ability and stature in our side for the tour match.

“We approached the ECB and asked if it would be possible to field a guest player and we are very pleased with their response.

“Ravi’s appearance will add even more interest to a game Gloucestershire fans and players have been looking forward to since it was announced.”

Gloucestershire have named a strong side and Hamish Marshall is the latest player to express his enthusiasm over the chance to face the South Africans.

“They are a tremendous team, as the Test series against England has proved, and it is a wonderful opportunity for our guys,” he said.

“If you can't get yourself up for a game like this, you shouldn’t be playing professional cricket.”

South Africa’s one-day squad is captained by AB de Villiers and features the renowned bowling attack led by Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel.

With the first one-day clash against England so close, the tourists are also expected to field their strongest available side.

Gloucestershire (from): R.Nicol, R.Bopara, D.Housego, A.Gidman (capt), I. Cockbain, H.Marshall, W.Gidman, E.Young, J.Fuller, J.Batty (wkt), D.Payne, L.Norwell.