Bopara joins KP at Dolphins

Durban - England batsman Ravi Bopara has signed to play for South African franchise the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Dolphins, the team said on Tuesday.

Bopara (25) will play in two first-class matches and South Africa's domestic limited-overs series, which runs from October 29 to December 10.

The right-handed Bopara was left out of England's squad for the Ashes tour but will hope to feature in the limited-overs matches against Australia after playing in the recent series against Pakistan.

"We were looking for an experienced player who could add value to the changeroom," chief executive of KZN cricket Jesse Chellan told Reuters.

"Ravi was keen to play in South Africa and we knew he would want to prepare well ahead of the limited-overs leg of England's tour to Australia."

England batsman Kevin Pietersen will play two first-class matches for the Dolphins to get match practice before the Ashes series.