Sport | Cricket
Tendulkar is my inspiration, says Bopara
Ravi Bopara is hailed as England's rising star. He has already made his mark with some splendid knocks in international cricket and is hungry for more success.
- By K.R. Nayar, Senior Reporter
- Published: 23:41 March 11, 2008
- Image Credit: Atiq-ur-Rehman/Gulf News
- With young England player Ravi Bopara in their ranks, Essex coach Graham Gooch is confident about their prospects in Sharjah against the UAE.
Sharjah: Ravi Bopara is hailed as England's rising star. He has already made his mark with some splendid knocks in international cricket and is hungry for more success.
"It has been good fun and enjoyable, though it has been a tough experience . I have already experienced the ups and downs. Of late, I am a bit low and that is what drives me the most," remarked the 22-year-old Bopara, who is here to play for Essex in the Arch tournament, about his international career.
"I need to improve the mental side of my game. I improve my technique by watching the best players of the world in action," he said.
"Tendulkar has influenced me the most. Even before I met him, I used to watch him closely on how he batted. It was lovely to see how even the other teams admire him.
Chasing a dream
"It is Tendulkar who inspired me to chase my dream," said Bopara, who has already played in 21 one-dayers and three Test matches.
Is England considering Bopara as only a one-day player for the moment? "I have already played three Test matches, so I don't think they are considering me as just a one-day player.
"I see myself as a good player in both forms of the game and will work hard towards it," said Bopara, who was only 17 when was signed up by Essex.
"My family and coach Gooch has encouraged me and my aim is to win a world championship with the England team," said Bopara, who almost guided England to victory over Sri Lanka in a crucial World Cup tie with a fighting 52 in Antigua. England lost that match by just two runs.
"I consider this knock among my best. I also value my unbeaten 43 which helped us to beat India at Old Trafford last year," said Bopara.
"The World Cup was a great experience. I came back a better player. My aim is now to be consistent," he concluded.
ARCH TROPHY
The UAE will take on Essex in the opening match of the Arch tournament from 2pm at the Sharjah cricket stadium today.
UAE: Saqib Ali (Capt), Khurram Khan, Arshad Ali, Amjad Ali, Vikrant Shetty, Indika, Zahid Shah, Fahad Al Hashimi, Amjad Javed, Naeemuddin Aslam, Shoaib Sarwar, Mohammad Iqbal, Ahmad Raza, Bakhtiyar, Samir Zia.
Essex: Mark Pettinin (Capt), Ravi Bopara, Alex Tudor, Grant Flower Tom Westley, Jaik Mickleburgh, Adam Wheater, James Foster, Graham Napier, Jason Hallion, Varun Chopra, Tony Palladino, James Middlebrook, Mervyn Westfield, Maurice Chambers.
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