ICC World Cup 2023: Buttler blasts HPCA Stadium outfield, rules out Stokes for B'desh tie

England`s captain Jos Buttler (R) and Adil Rashid look on (Pic: AFP)

England skipper Jos Buttler launched a scathing attack on the HPCA Stadium outfield, labelling it as 'poor' ahead of their ICC World Cup 2023 clash against Bangladesh on Tuesday.

Buttler's observation came after Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott too had expressed his displeasure over the outfield at the venue after their match against New Zealand. While Trott was a bit circumspect in his views, Buttler gave a more candid opinion of his concerns.

"Yeah, a few (concerns) I think," Buttler began during his pre-match press meet here on Monday before opening up on the state of the field.

"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," Buttler held forth.

The question was posed to the Somersetman after several players slipped on the HPCA Stadium outfield while chasing the ball during the match between Afghanistan and New Zealand.

Kiwis' Devon Conway had a visible stumble and Mujeeb Ur Rahman fell on his knees while taking a dive, giving some anxious moments to the Afghan camp.

Buttler said injury could happen on any surface but entering the match with that premonition on the back of the mind was not a good thing.

"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.

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The 33-year-old also said the bowlers, especially the pacers, would be keeping a close eye on the run-up area.

"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.

While the big-hitting opener sounded cautious, Buttler said the state of the outfield would not deter his side from giving its best against Bangladesh.

"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 said Ben Stokes, who is recuperating from a hip niggle, might not start against Bangladesh.

The all-rounder did not play in England's tournament opener against New Zealand as well.

"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 Buttler.

(With inputs from agencies)