VARUN Chopra says occasions like today’s One-Day Cup semi-final are the reason he plays cricket.

The 29-year-old is likely to get the nod to partner Alastair Cook at the top of the order.

And he is looking to build on some good recent form, including 124 at Glamorgan and 84 at Kent in the Eagles’ last One-Day Cup match, against Notts.

“This is why you play,” he said. “Everyone wants to be involved in the latter stages of tournaments and that is where we want to be.

“What we are doing is impressive. It is based on having good cricketers and a strong team spirit.

“But we need to follow it through now. We have guys that are experienced in playing in big games and we need to show we have cool heads today.

“I have been fairly pleased [with my own form],” he added.

“I got 100 in Cardiff and have made some decent contributions. We are into the knockout stages now and we really want to put in that match-winning performance.

“It has been a squad effort and we need more of that today, and we have the guys to put in that winning display.”