Ravi Bopara 'Shocked' at ODI Omission, Vows to Get Back at Captain, Selectors

England all-rounder Ravi Bopara said he was shocked after being surprisingly omitted from the 15-member squad for the upcoming five-match ODI series against India, starting August 25.

"It came as a massive shock," he said. "When you get that phone call from the selector you generally think it's just to give you a heads up you're in. But this time he told me that he's very sorry and disappointed and immediately I was shocked, thinking: 'This can't be happening.' But it is, that's life and I've just got to get on with it." (Glad IPL shut it's door on me: Alex Hales)

Bopara said the England axe has given him a lot of motivation to fight for his place and wants to prove the selectors and captain wrong. "I've had a good season so far and I've got to step it up another gear. I guess not being included this time has given me more motivation than I ever thought I could have. I want to prove the selectors, the coach and the captain wrong and give them a real serious headache."

While England's National Selector James Whitaker has made it clear that the squad was announced keeping next year's World Cup in mind, Bopara still hopes for a recall.

"With the World Cup so close it makes it worse but there is a series in Sri Lanka coming up before Christmas and hopefully I can be involved," he said.

"England play seven ODIs in Sri Lanka between 26 November and 16 December. There is then a triangular series against Australia and India, with a minimum of four ODIs and possibly a final," he added.

Bopara, a veteran of 108 ODIs, believes his experience will be key during the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand beginning on February 14.

"We haven't won a 50-over World Cup so the time is right and I feel it's my time as well. I'm desperate to be in that side and hopefully my experience will come through and I think we need experienced players at the World Cup," said Bopara, who has played two World Cups for England.

The 29-year-old Essex all-rounder has been a consistent performer with both bat and ball over the past few years and was named England's one-day player of the year in October 2013.

Bopara failed in his last ODI series at home against Sri Lanka. In five matches, he scored 78 runs with 51 being his highest and managed to pick up only one wicket.