LONDON: Ravi Bopara’s England exile came to an end yesterday when the Essex all-rounder was named in the hosts’ 15-man squad for next month’s ICC Champions Trophy and the preceding one-day series with New Zealand.
Bopara has not played a 50-overs-a-side international since September and the stylish batsman and handy medium-pacer had not been selected in either of England one-day coach Ashley Giles’s two previous squads in the format since the former Test spinner took charge of the limited overs side.
It seemed Bopara was fighting for his international future but he edged out fellow all-rounders Samit Patel, Luke Wright and Rikki Clarke.
Bopara’s last four one-day international innings saw him manage just 22 runs in total at home to South Africa and he was omitted from the ODI squads for the recent tours of India and New Zealand.
“He’s been given another opportunity because we know what he’s capable of doing,” England national selector Geoff Miller told Sky Sports.
“He’s got all assets to his game -- there’s the bowling aspect which has come on very, very well; batting-wise we know what he’s capable of doing and he’s very good in the field as well. He adds strength to the squad,” the ex-England off-spinner added.
Bopara’s inclusion aside, there were few surprises, with off-spinner Graeme Swann and seamer Tim Bresnan both recalled following elbow problems.
The key contest for England fans and, though they won’t yet say so publicly, players and officials this season is the Ashes Test series at home to Australia that follows the Champions Trophy.
England have never won a major 50-over tournament and the three-time losing World Cup finalists were beaten by the West Indies at The Oval in the climax of the last Champions Trophy staged in England in 2004.
A side again set to be captained by Test skipper Alastair Cook play the first of three one-dayers against New Zealand at Lord’s on May 31 before opening their Champions Trophy campaign against Australia at Edgbaston on June 8. afp
