London, July 15: England batting coach and former opener Graham Gooch believes that Essex cricketer Ravi Bopara, who has been in the form, is maturing with age Mentor Gooch feels Bopara is much better prepared to handle Test cricket if the selectors give him another chance.
Bopara, 27, has been named in the England squad for the first Test against South Africa at The Oval on Thursday, in place of Jonny Bairstow. He averages 34.56 from 12 Tests and has been in and out of the England side since his debut five years ago. Bopara has failed to grab his chance, despite hitting three centuries in a row against West Indies in 2009.
He was, though, one of the leading lights in England’s recent 4-0 one-day series thrashing of Australia and many feel he has finally come of age.
Goochie, 58, said: “He’s been around the England side since 2006-07 and the lad is a talented performer. He’s been in and out, done well at times and struggled at times.” Gooch added: “He got great talent and I think he now understands how he can translate it into performances.”
© ANI
