TURF TIMES

Bairstow insists England must play smart cricket in Dharamshala as the sandy outfield poses a threat to player safety

- DEAN WILSON

ENGLAND have admitted they must show how clever they can be in both innings if they are to get their World Cup campaign up and running in the mountains.

The defending champions are desperate for a strong response against Bangladesh tomorrow after being humbled by New Zealand, but the challenge is far from straightforward.

The outfield in Dharamshala is so full of sand that their fielders need to be smart enough not to throw themselves around due to fears over potential injury.

Former England batter, now Afghanistan coach, Jonathan Trott saw Mujeeb ur Rahman's knee get caught in the turf in the game there on Saturday and has warned his old team-mates.