Friday 27 March 2015 09:02, UK
Ravi Bopara has delivered a damning verdict of England’s World Cup campaign, saying “a fear of failing” hampered the side in Australia and New Zealand.
The Essex all-rounder was dropped before their opener against Australia in favour of Gary Ballance as England were thrashed by 111 runs in Melbourne.
England were knocked out of the competition before the quarter-finals after losing to Bangladesh by 15 runs in their penultimate pool match but Bopara is hopeful the squad can bounce back.
“It was frustrating to watch the way we played,” he told Sky Sports News HQ. “I don’t think we played with much heart; I felt like there was a fear of failing. I’m not sure where that came from or why but it was certainly there and I’m just being honest.
“I support my team-mates, they are a great bunch of guys and I want to play with the same guys and improve as a team. Everyone wants to get better in that team and we’re honest about it and we should be.”
Bopara also denied he feared for his England chances with Peter Moores in charge and said being dropped did not affect him as badly now.
“I’ve got to the stage where I don’t fear anymore," he added. "I’ve been dropped so many times that I’m immune to it a little bit, although it’s always sad when you get dropped.
"It’s a horrible feeling but I get over it quicker than most people would now. I have seen how it has affected some people but I’ve been there, more times than anyone probably.”
