Bopara absence staggers Vaughan

England

Former captain Michael Vaughan has questioned the absence of all-rounder Ravi Bopara from England's squad for the ongoing ODI series against India.

Former captain Michael Vaughan has questioned the absence of all-rounder Ravi Bopara from England's squad for the ongoing ODI series against India.

While Bopara has been overlooked, opener Alex Hales has all but been confirmed as captain Alastair Cook's opening partner – and fast bowler Steven Finn and the fit-again Ben Stokes recalled.

"I'm amazed and staggered Ravi is not here. He could be considered England's best one-day cricketer in the last one-and-a-half years. To throw away all that experience, know-how, bowling ability. I'd be amazed if he's not back in by the World Cup," Vaughan was quoted as saying by <I>BBC Test Match Special</i>.

Erstwhile spinner Graeme Swann echoed Vaughan's sentiment – and suggested batsman James Taylor be afforded an opportunity to impress at international level. The 24-year-old Taylor scored telling limited-overs centuries – one for Nottinghamshire against Middlesex and the other for the England Lions versus Sri Lanka A.

"Ravi gives you so much more than batting and bowling, unbelievable fielder. I would build a batting order around Joe Root. He has proved he can score at a run a ball or more, play crazy shots, and bowls off-spin," added Vaughan.

"James is in incredible form. Taylor and Root can both score very quickly and they're your two proper players. I think someone higher up doesn't rate Taylor and it's a crying shame."

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