even the most optmisitic essex fan probably didn't predict the nature of monday's game against lancs. yet another division one side which batting performance paled in comparison to the eagles'. after bowling lancashire out for 190, with tsotsobe taking four wickets: victory seemed likely but one thing essex are known for is being predictably unpredictable - remembering lancashire have a good bowling attack which should not be underestimated. however even lancashire's star bowlers could not halt another wonderful essex batting performance. after cook being dismissed for a not so impressive seventeen, there was a lot of pressure on ravi bopara to come in and score runs: he did not disappoint. 32-2 wasnt the most promising position but bopara and foster ensured essex won without ever breaking sweat. bopara adding 75 not out to his three wickets taken earlier on that afternoon.
i previously stated that i do not think bopara should make the england test side against sri lanka in late may, due to his poor batting performances. ever since then, he has scored a century against glamorgan in the county championship and two half centuries in the forty over format of the game, with the added bonus of wickets! do i think this should change my mind about whether he plays for england on the 26th may? i still prefer to watch morgan bat, i find him more consistent: bopara is in and out the team constantly, for a variety of reasons. however, this proves what a hard task the england selectors have. bopara and morgan obviously arent the only players who are in contention for a place but i believe these are the two that wll divide the selectors.
