ICC has gone on to lambast the Dharamsala stadium for poor conditions. The ICC has given the verdict of ‘average’ to the outfield. Following the conclusion of the Bangladesh vs Afghanistan match an independent pitch consultant and match referee Javagal Srinath went on to check the outfield conditions.
“The ICC independent pitch consultant has taken a look at the outfield today and is comfortable with the conditions as is Javagal Srinath, the Match Referee for the next game,” said ICC spokesperson.
The outfield, especially near the boundary, at the Dharamsala stadium was re-laid ahead of the tournament. The venue will host four more World Cup matches including India’s league match against New Zealand on October 22.
Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott on Saturday expressed his displeasure over the outfield at the HPCA Stadium, saying it was sheer fortune that some of the players did not pick up niggles while fielding. Afghanistan lost their World Cup opener against Bangladesh by six wickets today, and during the match cricketers from both the sides slipped on a patchy outfield on more than one occasion while chasing the ball.
“I just think if you’ve got players unsure of whether they can dive…when you’ve got players worried about getting injured, I mean, we’re lucky Mujeeb (Ur Rahman) hasn’t got a serious knee injury. “I think it was Devon Conway from New Zealand early on as well (slipping on the field,” Jonathan Trott said during the post-match press meet.
The former England batsman hoped the powers that be would soon address the issue, though he did not hold it as the reason for their defeat. “So, something for them (officials) to look at. But I’m definitely not putting any blame on that (for the team’s defeat), but that’s something to keep an eye on for the future,” added Jonathan Trott.
Editor's Pick
Top Stories
