Jos Buttler criticises Dharamshala ground conditions ahead of ENG vs BAN clash

The defending champions did not have a great start to their ODI World Cup 2023 campaign. As the Jos Buttler-led side lost against New Zealand by nine wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. They will face Bangladesh in the first of the doubleheader match on Tuesday, at the HPCA Dharamshala.

The English Lions would like to get back on track as they eye to beat Bangladesh in their second game of the marquee event. Shakib Al Hasan’s side has shown their dominance in the first match against Afghanistan at Dharamshala. With the skipper picking up three wickets. 

They are a side that gives maximum upsets when it comes to the World Cup event. In two back-to-back years 2011 and 2015, Bangla Tigers defeated England and in 2015 they knocked them out from the qualify for the quarterfinals as well. England would be hoping that similar situations do not arrive in this year’s mega event. 

Jos Buttler ahead of the match has raised concerns over the poor outfield condition of the Dharamshala ground. He has said the “poor outfield” at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala could force his fielders to injuries and he said his teammates to be watchful while fielding.

 It’s not as good as it could or should be: Jos Buttler

Buttler said "I feel it’s a poor outfield. If you feel like you’re having to hold yourself back, it’s not a place you want to be as a fielder. You want to put your body on the line save every run and have confidence in the field. It’s not as good as it could or should be."

"Naturally, you want to be instinctive in the field: if you see a ball, you want to dive for it. So it’s unique, to be honest, and I know it’s going to be the same for both teams. But if you’re having to hold yourself back, you shouldn’t have to feel like that. Hopefully, fingers crossed, no one on either side picks up an unfortunate injury."