Essex batsman to gain valuable match practice against Proteas
Ravi Bopara will play for Gloucestershire in a 50-over match against South Africa on Wednesday after the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) answered an appeal by the county.
Gloucestershire wanted to boost their team for the game at Bristol and with Bopara having been named in the England squads for the upcoming one-dayers and ICC World Twenty20, he was the perfect choice.
The Essex batsman is short of match practice after missing the last two Tests against the Proteas owing to personal problems.
"We are delighted to have a player of Ravi's ability and stature in our side for the tour match," said Gloucestershire chief executive Tom Richardson.
"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."
With the first one-dayer of the series against England taking place on Friday, the tourists are expected to field their strongest available side.
