RAVI Bopara looks set to miss out on a place in England’s side for Friday’s first One-Day International against India in Rajkot after making just nine in the final warm-up game.

The 23-year-old was part of a dismal display against the Mumbai Cricket Association XI on Tuesday which ended with England being thrashed by 124 runs.

Batting first, Mumbai made 222 for seven in their 50 overs before skittling the tourists out for just 98.

Only three England batsmen — Graeme Swann (24 not out), James Anderson (20) and Samit Patel (13) — made it to double figures.

Bopara’s failure to impress is likely to see him left out of England’s side at the expense of Middlesex’s Owais Shah, who did not bat in Mumbai.

Essex batsman Alastair Cook will also be overlooked, with Warwickshire’s Ian Bell and Sussex wicketkeeper Matt Prior earmarked to open the batting in Rajkot.

Meanwhile Cook, 23, has helped to launch the second annual ICC Diversity Day.

The East Hanningfield-based player joined England team-mate Tim Ambrose at the Gandhi Museum in Mumbai, where the pair learned about the life of the great Indian leader.

There, Cook talked of the great experiences he had had as an international cricketer travelling the world with Essex and England.

“In my first few years of international cricket I have already been lucky enough to travel to places that most people of my age would never even dream of visiting,” said Cook.

“Although we have lots of playing commitments when we are on tour, I always try and take the opportunity to go and visit a local site of interest.

“It was a great experience to go to the Gandhi Museum and learn about India’s history and I am sure that plenty of England fans will try and visit the museum when they are here for the Test Match in December.”

ICC Diversity Day will take place on November 20, with a variety of events being held around the world to celebrate the diversity of cricket.

England will play seven One-Day Internationals before taking on the Indians, who have just completed a 2-0 Test series win over Australia, in two Tests at Ahmedabad and Mumbai.

>ESSEX are to hold two Members’ Christmas lunches on Friday, Dec-ember 5, and Thursday, December 11, at 12.30pm.

Former England opener Jason Gallian will be guest speaker at both events.

For tickets, priced at £23 for members and £26 for non-members, call Eleanor Farrow on 01245 254003.