Bopara expects England Test call

By Paul Hiscock

Ravi Bopara is hoping to receive England's call in the next couple of days that will confirm his involvement in the opening Test series of the summer against the West Indies. The Essex all-rounder started his domestic season in style with a century against Yorkshire, and admits that his pre-season work had paid dividends.

"The wicket at Headingley wasn't one of the easiest that I've batted on but I've been doing a lot of work on my technique recently and it paid off," said Bopara. "I got into good positions, was patient, just waited until the bowlers got tired and cashed in.

"Naturally, I want to play as many games as I can for England but I love playing for Essex too. At the end of the day they are my bread and butter. I started with them from an early age and it's nice to perform for them and make as much of a contribution as I can."

Bopara will be eagerly waiting for news of his inclusion in the England squad but he insists that talk of other contenders vying for a place in the Test side does not weigh heavily on his mind.

"I just concentrate on my own game. The press talk about this player and that player, but that's fine by me," he added. "That's their job and they've got to create something for people to read. I don't really care as long as I get my runs and then I know I can't be ignored.

"I would like to think I'm next in line for a place in the Test line-up. I didn't play in Sri Lanka because of the problems with my side, otherwise I think that I would have played there, but I'm fit now ahead of the West Indies series and if I don't get picked, I'll be very disappointed."

Bopara, who turned 27 earlier this month, made his Essex debut back in 2002 and believes that he is nowadays a changed character. "I've always been very determined throughout my career, and some might say I was too intense at one stage, but I think I'm more relaxed now and that might be helping me.

"It's a better way to approach the game but, overall, I feel in a good space and I have changed a lot. I think that I have matured both as a player and an individual but that doesn't guarantee me runs next week, next month or whenever. You've just got to be yourself, play your cricket and enjoy your time. If it happens, it happens.

"Cricket is a big part of my life but it's not everything. Yes, cricket is my passion but there are more things to life than cricket and that's something I've recognised a lot more recently. I think that's helped me a lot."
 

Date: 11/05/2012 09:43:45 by Paul Hiscock
In: Today | Essex | England |