Bopara called up to Lions

Ravi Bopara, the Essex batsman, will return to cricket on Tuesday having been drafted into the England Lions squad to play Australia A at Old Trafford. He replaces James Taylor, who took Bopara's spot in the England side.

Bopara pulled out of the squad for the second Test against South Africa at Headingley for personal reasons. Taylor was called up in his place and made an impressive start, scoring a determined 34 and helping Kevin Pietersen add 147 for England's fifth wicket.

Bopara struggled on his return to the team in the first Test at The Oval. He made 0 and 22 before pulling out of the England squad and Essex's CB40 match against Worcestershire last Sunday.

England Lions and Australia A will contest two unofficial Tests, both played over four days. The second begins at Edgbaston on August 14, with the squad to be finalised once England's third Test squad is named. Eoin Morgan, another recent incumbent at No. 6 for England, will captain the side.