Bopara wants to be ‘one of the best’

Ravi Bopara has revealed his ambition to be one “of the best players in that England side”.

A veteran of more than 100 One Day Internationals (ODIs), the Essex all-rounder was not selected in the England squad that eventually lost to India earlier this year, but is back in the squad for the upcoming series away to Sri Lanka.

Speaking to the official England Cricket Board website, Bopara admitted that after regaining his place in the squad, his main ambition is to become a key member of the team for the World Cup next year.

“I’m very happy to be back but that’s not my goal – just to be back,” he told ecb.co.uk.

“I want to get back in that team and make some real contributions to winning for England. I want to be one of the best players in that England side. That’s my ambition.

“You’re always on that platform to stake that claim and make the next squad but for me its all about winning; that’s all that counts.”

Apart from the seven ODIs in Sri Lanka, England will also play in a triangular series in Australia before the start of the World Cup, which Bopara believes is the perfect preparation for the global event shortly thereafter.

“It’s a good lead-up to the World Cup and that’s what you need – just playing white-ball cricket,” he added.

“The World Cup isn’t the be all and end all of everything though. There’s cricket after the World Cup as well so we’ve got to focus on the long-term plan and make sure we nail it.”

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