ENGLAND batsman Andrew Strauss has become the latest cricketing figure to back Ravinder Bopara to make his mark on Test cricket.

The Essex all-rounder has a growing band of admirers - including Indian idol Sachin Tendulkar and former England skipper Nasser Hussain - who believe he has a very bright future in the game.

And Strauss, who captained Bopara during last week's draw between the England Lions and the touring Indians, has added his voice to those who have endorsed the 22-year-old's credentials.

"I don't think anyone in the England set-up doubts the talent that Ravi possesses - he showed it right away from the moment he came into the one-day side in Australia," Strauss told the Gazette.

Bopara burst on to the international scene during the Commonwealth Bank Series in Australia in February before playing in eight of England's nine matches at the ICC World Cup.

The Newham-born star impressed many in the West Indies with his confident style, including a heroic innings of 52 which took England to within three runs of an unlikely victory over Sri Lanka in Antigua.

He ended the tournament having scored 157 runs at an average of 31.4 and also took two wickets, two catches and a run out.

Strauss believes it is this ability to perform under pressure that will ensure Bopara has a successful career at Test level.

"He likes the big matches, he likes the crowds and playing in front of people and showing what he can do and expressing himself," added the Middlesex star.