London: Ravi Bopara is back in the England Test side for the first match against South Africa at The Oval next week after being included in a 13-man squad.

Bopara, 27, has been named in the England squad for the first Test against South Africa at The Oval on Thursday, in place of Jonny Bairstow.

He averages 34.56 from 12 Tests and has been in and out of the England side since his debut five years ago.

Bopara has failed to grab his chance, despite hitting three centuries in a row against West Indies in 2009.

England is a full complement of fast bowlers with Graham Onions named alongside Steven Finn and Tim Bresnan with one of those to be chosen to form the pace trio alongside James Anderson and Stuart Broad.


England squad for first Test against South Africa

• Andrew Strauss (capt)
• Alastair Cook
• Jonathan Trott
• Kevin Pietersen
• Ian Bell
• Ravi Bopara
• Matt Prior (wk)
• Tim Bresnan
• Stuart Broad
• Graeme Swann
• James Anderson
• Steven Finn
• Graham Onions