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This article was first published 13 years ago

We haven't come here to lose: Bopara

Last updated on: October 6, 2011 09:13 IST

Image: Ravi Bopara during a practice session in Hyderabad
Photographs: Getty Images

England middle-order batsman Ravi Bopara says his side will look to continue their winning momentum against India and clinch the five match One-day series, starting October 14.

"It's crucial for both sides. We are here to win and we want to keep that up [winning momentum]. We haven't come here to lose. As an international team, the most important thing is that you try to win every single game you play," Bopara told reporters after the team's training session in Hyderabad on Wednesday.

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"India have got a new-look side which provides an opportunity for those new guys to come in and ensure that what they are [all] about.

"We too have got lot of young players. The youngsters are trained and geared up to perform in English or Indian conditions and all around," he added.

'I really enjoy my bowling in Twenty20'

Image: Ravi Bopara
Photographs: Getty Images

England beat India 3-0 in the five-match one-day series in August. The 26-year-old, who scored a career-best 96 against India in the tied fourth ODI at Lord's, said, "The Lord's match against India played a massive part in my mind and how I am going to play. The series [against India] went nicely.

"It certainly gave me the confidence to go into this upcoming series. Not only the upcoming series, it has given me overall confidence now to work for my future as well," he said.

Bopara said he would concentrate on his batting to cement a place in the England side though he enjoys bowling, especially in Twenty20.

"I really enjoy my bowling in Twenty20. But batting will remain my main strength and I would concentrate on it," he said.

'Spin will play a big part in India'

Image: Graeme Swann during a practice session in Hyderabad
Photographs: Getty Images

"Good performances helped me cement my place in the English team. I had a good summer with one-day cricket in England. So, hopefully, I can start well in India, though it's still a long way to go with regard to batting," said Bopara.

He said the biggest challenge for him in the upcoming series will be facing spin and chasing big totals.

"Spin will play a big part in India. We have to wait and see what type of pitches are prepared here. Biggest challenge will be facing spin, besides chasing big totals. It's exciting to see how the scores will be here," he said.

Bopara said the Indian Premier League helped him and other cricketers from around the world with more aggression in their game.

On the new cricket rules being implemented in the India-England ODI series, he said, "It's interesting. It's going to be exciting as nobody knows what's going to happen."

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