Bopara turns down IPL offer

England all-rounder Ravi Bopara has turned down a lucrative six-figure deal to play in the Indian Premier League in a bid to cement his place in the national side.

Essex star Bopara, who is not centrally contracted to the ECB, said: "When figures like these are put in front of you, it is tempting - but my goal is to play regularly for England.

"I am confident that if I continue to score runs and take wickets for Essex, then I will hopefully play for England this summer and for many years to come."

He added: "If I do this, and with the current talk of new competitions and one-off matches to sit alongside the IPL, then I am sure there will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy the financial benefits in years to come."

Bopara has scored 341 runs in three LV County Championship innings and also tops the team's bowling averages with six wickets at an average of 18.