Bopara - overs and out?

Ravi Bopara, at 26 years old, should be starting to hit his prime in an England shirt. He made his debut in 2007, aged 21, and has gone on to play in 69 ODI’s. Despite having been around the England set up for many years has never managed to cement his place in the side, often being jumped in the queue to be the next cab off the England batting rank.

More recently, Eoin Morgan who’s unorthodox playing style and ability to score big runs at a quick pace, cemented his place in the side ahead of Bopara. Equally it became impossible to leave out Jonathon Trott – he scores such a weight of runs at such a good average, despite his strike rate being deemed a tad below par (78 which compare well to great players such as Jaques Kallis).

Bopara now seems to have secured himself as the man in possession of the number 5 slot having been given an extended run in the side to see if he can make the big contributions and become a match winner to work alongside Morgan. This is tenuous position to be in with other candidates not so much knocking at the door, more barging through and demanding a game.

Ian Bell, for one, has played such good cricket over the past 18 months it seems harsh to leave him out. His beautiful stroke play and ability to manoeuvre the ball, tick over the scoreboard, seems distinctly lacking in the England middle order. However, it must be noted he has never really made a spot in the side his own and he would have to prove his selection justify his selection in runs (and strike rate) just like the rest of the pretenders.

Samit Patel has battled back his weight demons which kept him out of previous England squads and has the potential to become a dangerous player – his dual ability to score runs and his front line bowling would be a massive plus for England. Proving he has ability in the 4^th ODI against India - scoring an impressive 70 in a losing cause - he is a long way of ensuring his place in conditions outside the sub-continent.

The county system is also producing a new generation of batsmen, with Bairstow getting his chance in India, whilst Alex Hales and Jos Butler are also getting their first taste of International cricket having featured in the T20 squad.

Is time running out for Bopara to prove his worth at this level? Undoubtedly he has talent, you can see that in his County averages, but he has yet to set the international stage on fire. A comparison for all to see is between Ravi and another, now, Essex man - Owais Shah. They have now played almost identical number of games (RB 69 – OS 71) and have almost identical statistics. In fact Shah, has a better average, OS’s 30.56 to RB’s 20.92, strike rate, OS’s 78.67 RB’s 75.06, and even more astonishingly has scored exactly double number of 50’s and 100% more hundreds. Astonishingly, Ravi has only scored six 50’s and no hundreds in his time playing in the England one day side .

When Shah was dropped there was a feeling that this was a bit harsh, especially as now current ODI Captain Cook was included. However, the selectors dropped Shah and the door was swiftly closed behind him. They moved on and never looked back – and rightly so.

Shah, had a long career for England which he can be proud of, but he also needed to be moved out the way for the likes of Morgan to come in and flourish. This may now be the same for Bopara, he has been given every chance, and then every chance again but you cannot consistently fail at this level and expect to get picked. Perhaps they should not shut the door on such a promising talent, like they did with Shah, after all at only 26 he has time on his side.

To watch Bopara play he seems a mixture of emotions, cocky but unsure. He never seems settled at the crease always seems full of nervous energy, thrusting his hand away from his body going at the ball, which is at odds to his public persona as a laid back calm individual.

If England are to move forward as a limited over’s side then they need to apply the same ruthless but fair policy to the selection of this side as they do so well in the Test arena. Getting the best players out of County Cricket and giving the time to show their worth. However, when that time has expired it is time to move on and give someone else the opportunity.