Ravi confident of Ashes glory (From Echo)

Ravi confident of Ashes glory

10:02am Sunday 5th July 2009 in

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RAVI Bopara is confident his inexperience as a Test number three batsman will not be exposed by Australia when he steps out for his first Ashes Test in Cardiff this week.

The Essex batsman was promoted up to number three at the start of this summer and has responded with centuries in both Tests in the one-sided series win against West Indies.

But now Bopara faces a bigger challenge entirely when he is given the responsibility of repelling Australia's attack, a task some critics believe may be beyond him with leg-spin legend Shane Warne recently questioning his temperament.

Bopara, though, is confident in his ability to play the key role at number three, who often has to steady the innings after the loss of an early wicket or conversely build on a good opening partnership.

"I got my head around it during the West Indies series when I scored the hundred in Barbados," he explained. "I had an idea then I could be pushed up to number three so I got used to it quite early.

"Batting at number three against West Indies for two Tests is enough. I got time in the middle with two hundreds and made me comfortable with the position, so I'm very happy to be at three.

"It's going to be a big challenge, a different set of bowlers and circumstances, so it will be a challenge. It will be difficult but that is the best thing about it - it will be an enjoyable Test for me."

He believes the experience he has already gained in the series against West Indies, when he was often involved in fierce battles with fast bowler Fidel Edwards, could hold him in good stead when he faces up to Australia's attack.

All the England side watched intently as Brett Lee used reverse swing to claim five wickets in 40 balls against England Lions at Worcester on Thursday and he is ready to face that challenge.

"Facing Fidel will help," he admitted. "We've had good preparation against pace but you get that all the time in international cricket - every time you go to the crease there will be someone bowling high 80 or 90mph.

"Lee bowled really well and got it swinging both ways. That is a lethal combination if you get it right and hopefully that won't happen at Cardiff but if it reverses for them then it will reverse for us.

"There are not many ways you can work on reverse swing as a batter. You have to let your natural instinct take over. If you are an international batter then you should be good enough to cope with it."

Bopara and the England 11 involved in the drawn practice match against Warwickshire over the last three days are expected to be included in a 13-man squad announced by National Selector Geoff Miller tomorrow morning.