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Essex all-rounder Ravinder Bopara has been named in the England squad for the forthcoming World Cup in the West Indies.

Bopara made his mark on his One-Day International debut to help England to victory over Australia in Sydney during the group stage of the recent CB Series.

Bopara made seven not out off five balls with the bat as he came in down the order at number eight in England’s total of 292-7.

The 21-year-old’s biggest impact came with the ball as he claimed the key wicket of Michael Hussey in a spell of 4-0-19-1.

Essex Chief Executive David East said:

‘We are absolutely delighted for Ravi that all the hard work put in over the last few years has been recognised at the highest level of International One-Day cricket. I am sure, given the opportunity, he will make a major contribution to England’s progression in the competition. We all wish him well.’

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Worcestershire CCC has announced the signing of New South Wales State Player, Doug Bollinger, as their second overseas player for the 2007 season. He will be joining fellow State Player, Phil Jaques on the county roster.

Bollinger, aged 25, is a left arm fast bowler currently enjoying an excellent season with New South Wales. In five Pura Cup matches this season, he has taken 22 wickets at an average of 24.68.

The County’s Director of Cricket, Steve Rhodes, says “We have been looking for a left arm fast bowler to give balance to our attack who is available for the whole season. Doug fulfils all those criteria, has a strong work ethic and is currently enjoying an excellent season with New South Wales. I have personally spoken to both Phil Jaques and Glenn McGrath and they speak very highly of him. Our success last season was a result of our strong team ethic and everything I have heard about Doug leads me to believe he will fit in superbly.”

Bollinger is delighted to be coming over and says “I have heard a lot of good things about Worcestershire and am really looking forward to joining Phil Jaques and the rest of the team at New Road in April. This is a great opportunity for me to progress my career and I can assure all the Worcestershire supporters that they will get 100% effort from me.”

The player will arrive in plenty of time to acclimatise before the first game against Durham at New Road on 18th April.

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Essex all-rounder Ravinder Bopara made his mark on his One-Day International debut to help England to victory over Australia in Sydney on Friday.

Bopara made seven not out off five balls with the bat as he came in down the order at number eight in England’s total of 292-7 during their latest CB Series match.

The 21-year-old’s biggest impact came with the ball as he claimed the key wicket of Michael Hussey in a spell of 4-0-19-1. Added to a typically competent fielding display, the Essex youngster acquitted himself well as England won by 92 runs.

Bopara said after the game:

“It’s a great feeling to get a couple of overs under my belt and a wicket – especially as it was Michael Hussey, a dangerous batsman. The atmosphere was awesome and when you play against the best in the world you can only learn and get better.”

Speaking to the Essex CCC website, Essex Captain Ronnie Irani was delighted, but not surprised, by Bopara’s immediate success:

“I’m proud of Ravi. I remember seeing him as a 14-year-old here at Essex and I’m pleased he’s finally been given this chance by England because he won’t let them down, just like (Essex team-mate) Alastair Cook. I am sure he could do better than the players currently performing but he just needs to be given a chance.”

Bopara’s appearance in Sydney made him the 12th Essex player to represent England at ODI level while with the County.

The Newham-born cricketer is now hoping to keep his place for England’s final group match in the CB Series against New Zealand in Brisbane on Tuesday.

Essex players to have represented England in One-Day Internationals (caps won as an Essex player):

Graham Gooch – 125
Nasser Hussain – 88
Neil Foster – 45
Derek Pringle – 44
Darren Gough - 37
Ronnie Irani – 31
Keith Fletcher – 24
John Lever – 22
James Foster – 11
Paul Grayson – 2
Alastair Cook – 2
Ravinder Bopara - 1

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