Bopara: Stanford clash is just another game
Bopara wants to cement a place in England's one-day side
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Saturday, 25, Oct 2008 10:53
Essex and England all-rounder Ravi Bopara claims that he will be judging the $20 million winner-takes-all Twenty20 clash in Antigua as "just another game".
England have travelled to the West Indies for a series of Twenty20 matches which will culminate in them facing the Stanford Superstars in the big money game.
Despite the riches on offer Bopara says he is not focused on the cash but rather the chance to prove himself for other upcoming series.
England tour India after the Stanford series before returning to the West Indies in March. With the prospect of facing Australia next summer Bopara is keen to cement his place in the side before then.
He said: "At the end of the day it's just another game. It's only a one-off game. After that we have to travel to India for an important series, to prove ourselves.
"We have already proved ourselves on the subcontinent against Sri Lanka, but that will be another good test. Then obviously the Ashes coming round next year."
Bopara feels the intensity of the Stanford game will help the England team prepare for the series with India as it will keep them sharp heading into the contest.
He said: "I see it [Stanford] as a warm-up to the one-dayers. I know it's a different format, it's only a Twenty20, but it's still one-day cricket and it's played under immense pressure and the speed of the game is lightning."
Bopara has featured in just one international Twenty20 for England but did not get the chance to bat or bowl.
The Superstars kick-off the Stanford series against Trinidad & Tobago today while England's first match is tomorrow against domestic champions Middlesex.