Bopara: Lord's ton "proud moment"

Date released: 6 May 2009

Ravi Bopara described his Lord's century against West Indies as his "proudest moment" and promised to chase a "big score" on day two of the Test Match.

Bopara "sign writing" to the England dressing room Bopara, who celebrated his century with a writing gesture to the dressing room, said he had thought of the celebration when on 95 not out. "I signalled to the boys to get my name on the Honours Board.

"When you come to Lord's for county matches or one day matches you wonder if your name will ever be up there [on the Honours Board]. It's a very proud moment."

Much was made, prior to the Test, of the players who had been in the IPL and their preparation for this match. Bopara said the IPL had in fact helped him:

"When you're in a positive mindset you want to hit the ball. Your instincts work better when you're trying to be positive."

Bopara celebrates his century Bopara made the most of his chance, after being dropped in the 80s: "I was about to turn around and walk off. It's not my fault when I get dropped, I have to just make the most of it."

There was a lot of speculation about the number three batting position, a position Bopara hopes he has now secured: "I hope I can go into the next Test batting at number three and into the Ashes as well."

Finally, Bopara admitted to having spoken to his mentor at Essex Graham Gooch, who still holds the record for the highest Test score at Lord's: 333.

"Goochie said he's proud of me - and to go out and get a big score."

Tomorrow will tell if the Essex batsman can live-up to that promise - he's certainly made a good start.

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