Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott didn’t filter his words as he said it was sheer fortune that some of the players did not pick up niggles while fielding in their 2023 World Cup match against Bangladesh at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala on Saturday (October 7).

During the game, cricketers from both sides slipped on a patchy outfield on multiple occasions 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),” Trott said during the post-match press conference.

The former England cricketer hoped that the authorities would address the issue soon while also adding that it was not the reason for their massive 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,” Trott added.

Afghanistan suffered a six-wicket thrashing at the hands of Bangladesh in their World Cup opener. They were outplayed in all facets of the game.

Invited to bat first, Afghanistan were bundled out for a paltry 156 in 37.2 overs and Bangladesh overhauled the target with 92 deliveries to spare.

Trott backed his troops to bounce back in the next game against India in Delhi on October 11.

“We know the areas to improve. We’ve got two big games in Delhi now against India and then England. So, we’ve got to dust ourselves off.

“A couple of practices and then a big match against India, which is going to be a great spectacle. I know the boys will be really, really up for it,” the coach said.

(With PTI Inputs)