LONDON, CMC – Ravi Bopara admits that he has to score heavily in the WICB Regional first-class championship if he is to have a regular place in the England team.
The all-rounder flew out to the Caribbean to be part of the England Lions (England A-Team) that will take part in the competition.
“I’d like to think I have a good opportunity, and I would do my best to make the most of it,” he said.
“I have got to make my next chance count. I have got to score runs in the West Indies and early season to get in for the Test matches against Sri Lanka.”
The 25-year-old Bopara was overlooked for the England squad for the World Cup to be co-hosted by India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, as well as the ongoing seven One-day International series in Australia.
The retirement of national limited-overs captain Paul Collingwood from Tests leaves a space in that side however, which many believe Bopara is ideally suited to fill.
“The opportunity is there, there is a spot available,” he said.
“But I have got to do my best to score runs, and not worry about anyone else, just do my job – I have got a point to prove.”
Bopara will remember his last trip to the Caribbean two years ago, when he scored his maiden Test hundred of 104 on a featherbed in Barbados.
The 25-year-old, who plays for Essex in the English County Championship, also seems to have an affinity for West Indies’ bowling, since all three of his Test hundreds have been scored against the men under the maroon caps.
Bopara has recently spent time in South Africa, where he worked with former Proteas coach Graham Ford at Natal, and he believes this experience was invaluable.
“He has definitely, definitely improved my batting,” said Bopara.
“I am a better player now than I was two years ago. If I said I wasn’t then I should retire tomorrow.”
Apart from being snubbed by England for their immediate ODI commitments, Bopara also lost his Indian Premier League contract, but he was philosophical about his setbacks.
“I think my One-day cricket for Essex over the last few years has been very, very good,” he said.
“I checked my record a few weeks back just to remind myself of what I’ve done – and it has been very good.”
He said: “So I am a little bit disappointed, but these things happen. It’s not down to me to select the side.
“There are some fantastic cricketers in that England team and they all deserve their chance. All I can do is keep putting runs on the board, keep taking wickets and give the selectors a headache.”
England Lions face Leeward Islands in their opening match of the WICB Regional first-class championship, starting next Friday at Warner Park in St. Kitts.
The Lions open their trip to the Caribbean today, with a three-day practice match against St. Kitts at the Edgar Gilbert Sports Complex.
