Bopara rejected IPL to cement place in England

Bopara, who is not centrally contracted to ECB just like Marcarenhas, said he wanted to look out for an England call up this summer by doing well for Essex instead of playing in India.

“Of course when figures like these are put in front of you it is tempting, but my goal is to play regularly for England,” said Bopara, who was named in the England Performance Squad last month.

“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,” said Bopara, who refused to divulge the name of the franchise.

“If I do this, 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.