 Bopara has played 48 first-class matches for Essex |
Ravi Bopara declared himself pleased with his unexpected World Cup debut after scoring 29 and taking 2-43 in the World Cup win over Canada. Essex's Bopara, 21, replaced Andrew Flintoff after the Lancastrian was dropped from the starting XI.
Bopara said: "I just wanted to play positively, start slowly and then go for it in the last five overs.
"These surfaces suit my bowling, wicket to wicket stuff, and it's tough to score if you get the right lengths."
Although Flintoff is expected to be restored to the side for their next match against Kenya on Saturday, Bopara could challenge England's other all-rounder Jamie Dalrymple for a starting spot.
Middlesex's Dalrymple has scored five runs in England's two matches so far and failed to take a wicket.
Bopara played his first one-day international in January, scoring seven not out and taking 1-19 in England's 92-run victory over Australia in Sydney.
