Team India pacer Mohammed Shami downplayed concerns regarding the outfield at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamsala. The outfield has been subjected to a lot of criticism recently. India defeated New Zealand by four wickets at the venue on Sunday, October 22 in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. Following the win, Shami expressed that they have no complaints about the outfield.
Afghanistan coach Jonhatton Trott first expressed his concerns about the outfield in Dharamshala. England skipper Jos Buttler also echoed the same thoughts. The issue again came to light when several Indian players faced difficulty while sliding on the field against New Zealand. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and Shreyas even survived an injury scare. Pacer Mohammed Shami stressed that the condition was the same for both teams and added it would be unfair to criticise the groundsman. He said,
“You have seen how the outfield has been. There is no complaint because it was the same for both teams. We cannot say anything to the groundsman because he is helpless, it’s his job, and he tries very hard. I don’t think it is good to put a question mark on someone.”
“The situation and the condition are the same for both the teams. In India and abroad, there are ups and downs. Sometimes, we play on wet grounds. Sometimes we play on dry ground. No complaints. All they say is, the better it (outfield) is, the better for the players,” he added.
Mohammed Shami’s roaring comeback for Team India
Team India pacer Mohammed Shami made a stunning comeback against New Zealand in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. He missed the first four matches of the tournament. He was included in the XI for the game against the Kiwis due to Hardik Pandya’s injury. Shami made the most of the opportunity taking a five-wicket haul in the innings. He finished with bowling figures of 5/54 in 10 overs and won the Player of the Match award.
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