Thaindian News

London, Feb 25 (ANI): England batsman Ravi Bopara is familiar with the pressure of playing in Bangalore and is convinced that he can thrive if given the opportunity to play against India in the World Cup tie on Sunday.

Bopara’s timely 30 off 20 balls ensured England scampered home against the Netherlands, but he may not even make the side on Sunday as England considers playing two spinners.

Michael Yardy’s slow spin would give Strauss a valuable bowling option and Bopara remains the most likely to drop out should the captain and coach Andy Flower decide on a change, The Independent reports.

However, Bopara’s Indian experience may help keep his place, as his time in the Indian Premier League has enabled him to become well-versed in sub-continental conditions.

“Without a doubt it’s definitely made me a better player. It’s made me more confident coming to the sub-continent. I just know what the pitches are likely to do. You can play a different way to the way you play in England,” said Bopara.

“You can certainly be a little bit more aggressive against the seam bowling. They are just generally better pitches to bat on. I wish I could bat here every day,” he said.

“It definitely won’t intimidate me. I’ve played in this atmosphere before, in the IPL and last time we were here with England. It’s very noisy. You can’t have a conversation with the players on the pitch - it’s all hand signals and that sort of stuff. But it’s fine,” he said.

“If the crowd are enjoying it, it pumps you up as well, because you want them to enjoy it. At the end of the day, you’re an entertainer. You want to entertain,” Bopara added. (ANI)