NEWHAM-born Ravinder Bopara celebrated his call-up for the England A team to meet Sri Lanka at Worcester this week by hitting a career-best 159, his highest score in first-class cricket to date.

The 20-year-old struck a Glamorgan attack that included England fast bowler Simon Jones to all parts during a six-hour vigil at the crease during which he faced 298 deliveries, striking a six and 17 other boundaries.

His contribution helped Essex to post a mammoth 639-8 wickets before they declared and then dismissed their hosts to record a victory by an innings and 30 runs that saw them take over the leadership of Division Two in the County Championship.

"I've been a bit frustrated with my batting this season because I haven't been putting the runs on the board but everything came good at Cardiff," he told the Guardian.

Bopra's partnership with Andy Fowler composed a new record partnership for matches between the two counties, putting on 339 runs for the third wicket in 86 overs to put their side firmly in the driving seat after they had been put into bat.

"I was delighted to reach my century because I'm desperately keen to do well for Essex and move my career on a notch, although I will admit that I was disappointed when I was got out because it was a lazy shot."

Before he got into double figures the all-rounder, who still plays for Hainault and Clayhall when time allows, was struck on the helmet by a fast-rising delivery from Jones.

"Perhaps the bouncer woke me up a bit," he laughed.

"I've felt in good nick in pre-season and in the earlier matches so far but it was satisfying to put the runs in the book."

Bopara's call-up at international level sees him follow county colleague Alastar Cook to the England A team. He added: "I was delighted to be included and I'm determined to use the opportunity to show what I can do as an all-rounder.

"I was called into the squad during the winter in the West Indies but I didn't do as well as I would have liked and it's great to have another chance."

Bopara's century against Glamorgan was the second in his emerging first-class career and was achieved under the watchful eye of batting coach and former England and Essex captain Graham Gooch.

He said: "Ravi works very hard at his game, is making excellent progress and I'm delighted that he's earned the opportunity of getting into the England set-up."

While Bopara is on duty for the England A side, Essex are involved in a County Championship fixture against Leicestershire at Chelmsford that commenced on Wednesday.

Then on Sunday they meet Ireland in the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy at the County Ground with play scheduled to start at 10.45am, before they engage Somerset at Taunton starting on Wednesday May 10.

l Essex suffered their first defeat of the season when Hampshire prevailed by eight runs in the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy match at the Rose Bowl. with England star Kevin Pietersen scoring a sparkling 98 to underpin his side's success.

However, had Darren Gough not suffered a pulled hamstring in his third over the outcome could have been so different. Taking full advantage of a pitch that provided plenty of seam movement, Gough had taken a wicket in each of his opening two overs before pulling up injured and limping out of the attack and that proved to be the defining moment.

Although Hampshire lost another two wickets quickly to slump to an ignominious 12-4 wickets, Pietersen rallied the innings against an attack missing their key bowler to ease Hampshire to a challenging 257-9 at the end of their 49-overs allocation, a total that proved just beyond the visitors.