England Captain Jos Buttler Expresses Concerns Over “Challenging” Dharamshala Outfield Ahead of Cricket World Cup 2023 Clash with Bangladesh
England Captain Jos Buttler Expresses Concerns Over “Challenging” Dharamshala Outfield Ahead of Cricket World Cup 2023 Clash with Bangladesh
In a surprising turn of events, England’s cricket captain, Jos Buttler, has openly criticized the outfield conditions at Dharamshala, ahead of England’s crucial Cricket World Cup 2023 match against Bangladesh. Buttler expressed concerns about the poor state of the sand-based outfield and its potential impact on the integrity of the upcoming game. This criticism has brought attention to the challenges posed by the playing conditions in Dharamshala, a venue known for its breathtaking backdrop of the Himalayan mountains.
The outfield at Dharamshala has raised eyebrows due to its patchy and sand-based nature, which has caused England’s team to have limited practice on it before their scheduled match against Bangladesh. This lack of familiarity with the playing surface has left players like Buttler questioning whether they can give their best performance while fielding.
Buttler, speaking to BBC Sport, voiced his concerns, stating, “You are going to have to be a little bit smart as fielders and a little bit careful, which isn’t something you want to be when you are playing for your country. You want to dive around and save every single run.”
These concerns have been further exacerbated by an incident involving Afghanistan’s spinner, Mujeeb ur Rahman, who narrowly escaped a serious knee injury during a match at the same venue when his knee dug into the problematic outfield. Such incidents highlight the potential hazards that players may face while trying to perform at their best.
Tournament officials inspected the outfield conditions on Sunday, and it is reported that match referee Javagal Srinath did not raise any concerns. However, Buttler’s public criticism has shed light on the ongoing challenges posed by the Dharamshala outfield.
The issues with the Dharamshala outfield are not new. Earlier in the year, a Test match between Australia and India that was scheduled to take place at the same venue had to be relocated due to concerns about the outfield conditions.
Adding to England’s concerns, star all-rounder Ben Stokes is likely to miss the match against Bangladesh as he continues to recover from a hip injury. Stokes has been focusing on his rehabilitation, which has included facing spin bowlers in the nets after a 10-day hiatus due to the injury issue.
Dharamshala is known for its unique playing conditions. Typically, the venue favors seam bowling, making it stand out among major cricket grounds in India. However, the pitch used in the Bangladesh vs. Afghanistan match on Saturday was notably slow. The upcoming match between England and Bangladesh will be played on a fresh surface that is expected to be more batting-friendly.
In light of the challenges posed by the outfield conditions, England is considering strategic changes to its playing XI. This may involve bringing in an additional seam bowler, with options such as Reece Topley, David Willey, or Gus Atkinson potentially replacing spin-bowling all-rounders like Moeen Ali or Liam Livingstone.
Dharamshala’s cricket stadium is a stark contrast to the world’s largest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad, where England faced New Zealand. Dharamshala is renowned for its picturesque setting, perched at an altitude of 1,500 meters above sea level, with the majestic Himalayan mountains serving as a stunning backdrop.
The challenging outfield conditions and the stunning natural beauty surrounding the ground have created a unique playing experience for cricketers and captivated fans around the world. Some of England’s players have even taken the opportunity to explore the region during their downtime, enjoying activities like hiking and freshwater swimming. Additionally, Dharamshala is famous for being the residence of the Dalai Lama, adding to its cultural and spiritual significance.
In conclusion, England captain Jos Buttler’s criticism of the Dharamshala outfield has brought attention to the challenges posed by the playing conditions at this picturesque venue. While concerns about the outfield’s quality persist, both teams will have to adapt and find ways to excel in a match that promises to be a test of skill and adaptability. Fans eagerly await the outcome of this high-stakes Cricket World Cup clash between England and Bangladesh amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the Himalayan mountains.
