Bopara ready to seize his opportunity to impress

A stop-start one-day international career of 61 caps so far means he will be wary of looking that far ahead. But the cards have fallen in the 26-year-old’s favour this time. He has an opportunity to improve on an average of 28.51 with only five half-centuries and a top score of just 60.

As England seek to consolidate their sixth victory in successive completed matches against India this summer – by seven wickets at the Rose Bowl on Tuesday – in pursuit of series victory, Bopara will be well aware that the field has cleared a little for prospective one-day international batting positions.Not only is Kevin Pietersen being rested but Eoin Morgan, the man who nosed ahead of Bopara at the last minute before the first Test match against Sri Lanka and has been an ever-present since, is suddenly out of the equation at least for the rest of this season with a shoulder injury.

“I was a bit surprised Eoin was not fit, but nevertheless I was told early enough and was given time to prepare,” he said. The upshot for Bopara is that, continuing at The Oval tomorrow, he can look forward to the remainder of an audition which should extend to four matches.

“I’ve not been told that but obviously I’d like to play and fight for that spot,” he said. “It’s a great chance to make it into the first XI and then perform and cement a place in the side.

“With guys resting and a few injuries about, there is a great opportunity to cement my place, and take it game by game.”