Bopara looking to cement England spot
Ravi Bopara is determined to cement his place in the England squad with a solid performance against India in the remainder of the NatWest ODI Series.
- Indo-Asian News Service
- Updated: September 08, 2011 08:17 PM IST
Ravi Bopara is determined to cement his place in the England squad with a solid performance against India in the remainder of the NatWest ODI Series.
The withdrawal of the injured Eoin Morgan from the series squad has given Bopara the chance to play.
The Essex player played a useful innings during England's seven-wicket victory over India at the Rose Bowl on Tuesday evening.
"It's a great chance to make it into the first XI and then perform and cement a place in the side," Bopara said. "It's a great chance with guys resting and a few injuries about."
"I have a lot to offer and I would like to get more chances to bowl for England. Obviously, there are some fantastic bowlers in our side, so it's very hard to get the ball off them."
"But when things are not going right for them, that's when I will get the chance."
He, however, does not feel this would be his last opportunity at international level with the likes of Ben Stokes, James Taylor, Jos Buttler and Alex Hales coming through the ranks.
"Not really. I'm only 26 years old, so I don't know where that view has come from," he said. "I'm not putting any pressure on myself," he said.
"Guys have come into the team in their very late 20s and done very, very well. I don't believe in the age thing or whether it's your last chance. I've got a lot to offer and a lot in the bank that I haven't expressed fully on the international stage."
The third ODI begins at The Oval on Friday.