18 April 2024 last updated at 15:13 GMT
 
Cook happy with Bopara contribution
Monday 12 September 2011

England ODI captain Alastair Cook revealed that the tied rain-affected fourth ODI was probably the fair end to a well-contested match.

"It was touch and go towards the end, we ended up batting for D/L, being more defensive knocking off the singles, not sure when the rain was coming. Tie was a fair result. Great to see (Ravi) Bopara delivering on the big stage to get us a tie," Cook said.

Bopara scored 96 to bring England within touching distance of a victory, and Cook was, understandably, appreciative of his batsman's effort.

"We tried everything earlier but that partnership (between Dhoni and Raina) was fantastic. If we had kept them to 250, we could have got there comfortably. Possibly we missed Dernbach. We will know on (Stuart) Broad in 48 hours," Cook said.

More than missing out on a well-deserved century, Bopara was disappointed with the way his side had to clinch the series.

"Not an ideal way to clinch the series, with the rain around, we did not know when to accelerate. Should I knock it for ones and twos, or go for the big shots, once (Graeme) Swann got out I thought we should really go for it towards the close. (The) last couple of games have been nice for me, (but still a) long way to go ahead," Bopara said.

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