Bopara cautious ahead of Ireland encounter

Ravi Bopara, the allrounder, insists England need to be at their best if they are to win their Super Eights clash against Ireland. "Ireland have been playing some good cricket," Bopara, 21, said. "I've been watching a few of their games and they look a good side."

The neighbouring countries will play for the second time in less than a year when they walk out in Guyana on Friday. "They've already proven they can beat some of the top sides in the world and the main thing for us is to be on top of our game when we face them," Bopara said. "We may be expected to win, but we all know that cricket doesn't work like that."

Ireland produced a shock by defeating the former champions Pakistan in the first round and tying with Zimbabwe. England, who like Ireland carry no points from the opening stage, qualified with wins over Kenya and Canada and will appear in the second phase for the first time since 1996.

Bopara, who played against Canada when Andrew Flintoff was suspended, said England were targeting a place in the semi-finals. "We played well in the last couple of games in the group stages and we are feeling confident going into the Super Eights," Bopara said. "It's always a great feeling to go out and play some games and I am feeling good, I am feeling confident and I am just enjoying myself." Bopara, who has appeared in three ODIs, scored 29 and picked up 2 for 43 against Canada before bowling only one over against Kenya.