England and Essex batsman Ravi Bopara has revealed that not focusing so strongly on his cricket and enjoying life has led to his upturn in fortunes that has seen him reinstated to the England Test side.

Bopara believes that balancing his life with his cricket has taken the pressure off his game and has ensured he is better prepared than before for cricket at the highest level.

"I definitely feel better now, not just in terms of performance but there are a few things in my life that have changed," the Evening Standard quotes Bopara as saying. "I've realised there is more to life than cricket.

"I love my cricket, it's still something I wish I could do for ever but I have other interests which have taken away the pressure of cricket."

Bopara is due to bat at number six, with England making 70-1 at lunch in the first Test with South Africa.