Defending champions England's captain Jos Buttler rated the outfield at HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala ahead of their second game of World Cup 2023 against Bangladesh. Buttler did not hold back like Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott and presented the situation as it is as he expressed his concerns about the outfield that saw Mujeeb Ur Rahman's knee getting stuck during the match against Bangladesh last week.
"Yeah, a few (concerns) I think," Buttler said in the press conference on the eve of the Bangladesh clash.
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"It's poor in my own opinion. I think any time you're sort of talking about being careful diving or sort of being careful when you're fielding, it sort of goes against everything you want to be as a team.
"You know you want to dive through our houses to save a run. So, that's obviously not ideal, the way the surface is, the outfield. The outfield is different to when we played here in the IPL," the wicketkeeper-batter further said.
Buttler feels that a lot is at stake in a World Cup game and players want to give their hundred per cent. The poor outfield will leave them in two minds about whether they should dive or not as it will involve the risk of getting injured.
"Yeah, injuries can happen at any time, on any surface, but I think it's (HPCA Stadium) definitely one where you're going to have to be a little bit careful, which isn't what you want to be doing playing for your country.
"You want to put your body on the line and be trying to save every single run or have confidence in the field. If you feel like you're having to hold yourself back, it's not a place you want to be as a team or player, or in a World Cup match.
"So, it's not as good as it could be or should be, but it's going to be the same for both teams," added Buttler.
In addition to the outfield, Buttler has cautioned his fast bowlers to check the start of the run-up before steaming in against Bangladesh batters.
"It's just getting that level of trust. Certainly, guys tearing in and trying to bowl fast, they need that confidence in the run-up.
"So yeah, I think it will probably take guys a couple of balls probably to get used to it. But they are professionals, they'll adapt," he said.
However, the Englishman is sure that his players will adapt to it as they are raring to get their first win of the tournament after a comprehensive loss to New Zealand.
"But the wicket looks fantastic. We will adapt to it. We're hungry to get out there and play well. So, we won't be using it as an excuse. We just have to be a bit smart, I think," he said.
Buttler gave an update about Ben Stokes’ recovery as well. The all-rounder will not be available for the Bangladesh match either.
"Yeah, probably unlikely. It's good to see him back in the nets and building back towards full fitness but probably unlikely for tomorrow," said the 33-year-old.
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