Talking points ahead of England’s World Cup clash with Bangladesh

England are looking to put their opening game thrashing by New Zealand behind them when they tackle Bangladesh in Dharamshala in their second World Cup outing on Tuesday.

Here, the PA news agency looks at the key issues surrounding the game.

Injury concerns on sandy outfield

The conventional cricketing build-up to the game has been largely overshadowed by talk of underfoot conditions at the HPCA Stadium. The pitch itself is in good condition but away from the square the ground does not appear to be operating at international standard. A loose sand-based soil composition makes for an uneven base, while the grass coverage is patchy. The International Cricket Council have said it was rated as “average” after its first game of the tournament, but that appears a generous verdict. England can ill afford to sustain injuries in the field, but must balance any precautions against their natural instincts to chase down every ball.

Altitude six-ness

Liam Livingstone will be swinging for the fences (Tim Goode/PA)
Liam Livingstone will be swinging for the fences (Tim Goode/PA)

Bairstow joins the hundred club

Jonny Bairstow will celebrate a landmark appearance (Nigel French/PA)
Jonny Bairstow will celebrate a landmark appearance (Nigel French/PA)

A familiar foe

Shakib Al Hasan is a fierce competitor for Bangldesh.
Shakib Al Hasan is a fierce competitor for Bangladesh (Simon Cooper/PA)

England need to reclaim safety net

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