Ravi Bopara is so keen to regain his place in the England Test side that he turned his back on a bumper Indian Premier League pay day to improve his chances.
Bopara was offered a £100,000 deal by Rajasthan Royals but has chosen instead to begin the season with Essex in the hope of finding the form that will capture the attention of the England selectors.
Paul Collingwood's retirement from Test cricket means a middle-order batting place is available. Eoin Morgan, who has decided to play in the IPL, is the favourite to claim it but Bopara said: "My ambition has always been to play Test cricket and to play for my country.
"Not everything is about money. I've got to make sure I fulfil my ambitions and my talent as a cricketer. Although Twenty20 is a very important part of the game, Test cricket is always the pinnacle.
"This is my chance to get back into that team. There is a spot available and somebody has to take it."
Bopara will hope for better things in Essex's forthcoming match against Middlesex after scoring nought and 39 in the defeat by Kent.
