Bopara named Young Cricketer of year 2008

London, Sep 16 (UNI) Ravi Bopara has been named the Young Cricketer of the Year for 2008 by the Cricket Writer's Club.

Bopara has enjoyed an impressive season this year after he made his Test debut for England against Sri Lanka in December.

His unbeaten 201 against Leicestershire in June was the first double century ever scored by an Essex player.

The innings, which included 10 sixes and 18 fours, attracted the attention of the England selectors once more this summer and he was recalled to the national squad after Michael Vaughan sensationally quit as captain.

Bopara, who plays for Essex, saw off competition from Nottinghamshire's Stuart Broad, Kent's Joe Denly, Hampshire's Liam Dawson, Worcestershire's Steven Davies, Warwickshire's Chris Woakes and Derbyshire's John Clare, to win the award.

He has scored 1,046 runs and taken 25 wickets this season.

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