“It will be a really good test in the conditions on slow pitches against plenty of spin bowling. I will learn a lot and hopefully also be able to help out some of the other guys because I am one of the older players on the trip.

“It will be very hot out there so I should come back nice and fit and ready to go to Barbados with the lads on the pre-season trip and then hopefully have another good season for Warwickshire.”

Chopra’s elevation to the England set-up shows his name is in the selectors’ thoughts.

He remains utterly grounded, though, while admitting his decision to move to the Bears from Essex two years ago has worked out well.

“Sometimes you need to move on to get your career going again,” he said.

“That was the case for me and I am very happy with the move. I came into a good environment where you feel backed by the coaches and other players.

“It’s pleasing to get this recognition but it is just a small step. Warwickshire had a good season, finishing second, and I was their leading run-scorer so I thought I might have made a bit of an impression. Now I have just got to seize the opportunity and keep improving.”

Bears director of cricket Ashley Giles is happy to have secured Chopra’s future.

“Varun’s runs last season were instrumental to our push for the county championship and his place on the Potential England Performance Programme iss well-deserved,” Giles said.

“Securing a player of his calibre until at least the end of 2014 is a great boost to the squad as we look to build on last season.”