Ravi Bopara attributes return to form to Auckland spell
16/09/2010
Ravi Bopara believes his time in New Zealand is behind his return to the England side for matches watched by customers with ODI tickets.
The Essex all-rounder endured a torrid time during the 2009 Ashes series and was axed from the national side, resulting in him moving to Auckland in a bid to get his game back on track.
Following a successful spell down under, Bopara has now been recalled to play in front of people with ODI tickets by the national selectors and is in the side for the current series with Pakistan.
His career batting average in the international 50-over format now stands at 29.05 from 53 matches.
Commenting on his time in New Zealand, the 25-year-old said: "I had time to myself, away from everybody and all the coaches. I loved being away and doing things on my own."
He added that under-pressure England team-mate Kevin Pietersen should benefit from his spell with KwaZulu-Natal in a similar way.
Posted by Ted Walker