Ravi Bopara says his relationship with Trevor Bayliss will not aid England selection
Friday 3 July 2015 16:57, UK
Essex batsman Ravi Bopara has played down his relationship with Trevor Bayliss as a way of regaining a place in the England squad.
Bayliss coached Bopara during their time at Sydney Sixers and the pair also crossed paths during the IPL season, and the 30-year-old showed his form with a century for Essex against Australia at Chelmsford on Friday.
Bopara said he was pleased by England’s new style of cricket portrayed against New Zealand, but believes the only way he can get back into the England fold is by scoring runs and taking wickets on a consistent basis.
Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ, Bopara said: “The style of cricket (from England) has been brilliant. It’s a way we should have been playing for a long, long time so it’s brilliant to see that happening.
“I’ve worked with Trevor before at the Sydney Sixers, I know him quite well through the IPL as well. He is a fantastic coach so it should be interesting times for England.”
When asked on his relationship with Bayliss, Bopara said: “There’s only one currency for me and that is scoring runs and taking wickets. It’s all I can do.”
Bopara believes Australia have plenty of depth in their bowling department, but said the Ashes series will not be dominated by the tourists.
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He added: “It’s a strong attack, you’ve still got (Ryan) Harris to come back into that attack as well who is a fine bowler and I think it will be a tough test for both teams.
“I don’t think it will be too one-sided, it will be a brilliant series.”
