JOS BUTTLER has told his players not to dive in their must-win Bangladesh clash.
And the England captain has also questioned the integrity of the competition due to the poor quality of the pitch at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium.
AFPJos Buttler has made an unusual demand of his players due to the conditions[/caption]
Buttler, 33, fears that the dry, sandy surface could cause an injury during Tuesday’s match.
But he has vowed not to use it as an excuse as England look to defend their World Cup crown.
Discussing the pitch ahead of tomorrow’s game, Buttler said: “The powers that be are comfortable so the only thing I would question is if you are telling players not to dive – does that question the integrity of the game?
“Any time you’re talking about being careful diving, or maybe being careful when you’re fielding, it goes against everything you want to be as a team.
“It’s poor, in my opinion. You want to dive through a row of houses to save a run. That’s obviously not ideal, the way the surface is, the outfield.
“But we won’t use it as an excuse. We’ll adapt to it.
“But certainly if you feel like you’re having to hold yourself back, it’s not a place you want to be as a team, or as a player, or in a World Cup match.”
On the adjustments that his side will look to make, Buttler added: “Naturally you want to be instinctive in the field. If you see a ball you want to dive for it.
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“So it’s unique 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.
“Injuries can happen at any time and on any surface. But I think it’s definitely one where you’re going to have to be a little bit careful, which isn’t what you want to be doing when you’re playing for your country.
“You want to put your body on the line and be trying to save every single run and have confidence in the field.
“It’s not as good as it could be or should be. But it’s going to be the same for both teams. The wicket looks fantastic and we’re hungry to get out there and play well.
“We won’t be using it as an excuse, we’ll just have to be a bit smart.”
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