Bopara ready to bounce back

Ravi Bopara struggled with the bat in the winter series against Sri Lanka © Getty Images

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Ravi Bopara has set his sights on a Test recall after being omitted from the England squad for the three-match series in New Zealand.

The Essex all-rounder was selected for every Test in Sri Lanka last month but was unable to make enough of an impression with either bat or ball to retain his spot for the upcoming tour.

He took his first Test wicket - that of Prasanna Jayawardene - but made a pair in the last Test of the series, batting with a broken finger.

"I dislocated a finger on the second morning so that obviously doesn't help when batting," Bopara admitted.

"It was kept quiet at the time and I just went about my business in the match. Things didn't work out for me but I don't blame it on the finger - I'm not using it as an excuse."

Nevertheless, the 22-year-old has been selected in the one-day squad for the five-match series against New Zealand in February.

"I expected to be in the one-day squad because that has been my strength (in international cricket) so far," Bopara said.

Bopara has performed better in the shorter form of the game

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"I was unsure about the Tests. If I'd been picked I would have been delighted but, if not, it wasn't going to be the end of the world.

"Now it's up to me to knuckle down and do the work to create another opportunity for myself to play Test cricket.

"I've come up with a few plans to make that happen and will do whatever it takes to get another chance.

"Hopefully I can prove a point in the one-dayers by scoring some runs and also doing the job required with the ball if I get that opportunity."

Chairman of selectors David Graveney said: "It was a hard call on Ravi. He still retains his position in the one-day squad.

"He's an immense talent and he'll play a huge part in the future."

Bopara is determined to prove Graveney right, and believes he came back from the two trips to Sri Lanka as a stronger cricketer in at least two departments.

"Mentally, yes, and also technically, yes, but stats-wise, no," he added. "The failures I experienced out there have made me hungrier and taught me a few lessons.

"I've come back even more focused and hungry to work hard on my game to get back into the side."