Ravi Bopara – Choosing country over cash
Ravi Bopara, the English all-rounder was one of the many players not taken up by any team in the January Indian Premier League auction.
Bopara later got a £100,000 worth of offer from the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Essex-c783 in a bid to get selected for the national test side.
"It was a tough decision, but my ambition as a youngster has always been to play Test cricket and to play for my country," Bopara shared.
Bopara further added, "Not everything's about money. I've got to make sure I fulfill my ambitions and my talent as a cricketer. Although Twenty20 is a very important part of the game, Test cricket is always going to be the pinnacle."
Following Collingwood’s retirement, spots have opened up in the national test side. Eoin Morgan is considered to be a favourite for the position but his engagement in the IPL’s fourth season gives Bopara a chance to step up.
According to Bopara, County Championship provides the perfect opportunity to get his performance noticed. He further added that nothing apart from runs and wickets would get him into the national test side.
Bopara consulted England's batting coach, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Graham-c60529 Gooch prior to his decision who backed Bopara in his choice.
Gooch, talking about Bopara said, "He is very motivated to achieve and if he wants to make his mark on the Test side he will only do that with championship runs. He can't further his cause in the IPL, however many runs he gets."
Ravi has only played 10 test matches and managed to score 502 runs with an average of 33.46. His highest test score is 143 runs.
Ravi played five matches for England in the World Cup 2011, scoring 141 runs at an average of 35.25. He also took 2 wickets averaging 31.50 each.
Bopara played splendidly against the spinners and his bowling was a great asset for England.
Over 20 English players were up for the IPL auction in January but only a few made it, the ones left out included, Graeme Swann, Luke Wright, Matt Prior, Chris Tremlett, Ravi Bopara, James Anderson, Ian Bell, Jonathan Trott ,and Tim Bresnan.
Kevin Pietersen, another likely choice is ruled out due to his hernia operation, so is Collingwood, who is also undergoing surgery. Stuart Broad, who left England’s camp in World Cup 2011 campaign due to a side injury, will also be out for IPL.
Michael Lumb has been purchased by Deccan Charges for $80,000 and Eoin Morgan is the other English player who will be playing in the IPL season 4.
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