By Martin Gough BBC Sport, Georgetown, Guyana

Ravi Bopara's versatility has been an asset for England

Ravi Bopara credits batting great Graham Gooch, England's captain in the 1992 World Cup final, for turning him into an international all-rounder.

Bopara, 21, a surprise inclusion in the squad, had been considered a batsman but has bowled in the last two wins.

"Since the age of 16, when Graham told me bowling would be a massive part of my game, I've worked on it," he said.

"At the time I didn't think much of it but it is probably the most important advice that has ever been given to me."

Interview: England all-rounder Ravi Bopara

Bopara added that Gooch, who was Essex head coach at the time and now specialises in batting at the county, had been a "very big influence on my career".

Gooch, hit 4.290 runs in 125 one-day internationals, but could also be relied on to bowl some medium pace, which brought him 36 wickets.

I enjoy bowling. I think getting a wicket is more enjoyable than scoring 50 runs Ravi Bopara

Bopara came into the England side against Canada, with Andrew Flintoff suspended for a late-night drinking episode, and took two wickets with his medium pace as well as hitting a composed 29.

With Flintoff back, he kept his place ahead of spinner Jamie Dalrymple for the match against Kenya. He has been on the winning side in all three of his one-day internationals.

However, Bopara does not expect to be an automatic selection for the rest of the World Cup, with England's Super 8 campaign starting against Ireland on Friday.

"Duncan Fletcher is picking the best XI for the surfaces and I guess the conditions suit me at the moment. The wickets are quite slow and you don't have to be quick," he said.

"I've been working on my bowling in the last couple of years and it's coming along. It is hard work, on the body and mentally.

"But I enjoy bowling. I think getting a wicket is more enjoyable than scoring 50 runs. You work so hard for a wicket, when you get it, it's very rewarding."

We may be expected to win, but we all know that cricket doesn't work like that Bopara on Friday's match against Ireland

Bopara said England's performances against Australia at the start of the year would give them a chance of winning the World Cup.

The 21-year-old enthused: "If we just think back a few months ago to the Commonwealth Bank series we beat the number one team in the world.

"I don't see any reason why we shouldn't reach the final here."

Bopara said he had plenty of respect for England's next opponents.

"Ireland have been playing some good cricket," he said. "I've been watching a few of their games and they look a good side.

"They've already proven they can beat some of the top sides in the world and the main thing for us is to be on top of our game when we face them.

"We may be expected to win, but we all know that cricket doesn't work like that."

Andrew Flintoff's participation in England's opening training session in Guyana was restricted by a stomach bug.