Champions Trophy: Jos Buttler questions India's single-venue advantage
What's the story
England cricket team captain, Jos Buttler, has subtly shared his thoughts on the peculiar case of the ongoing Champions Trophy.
The tournament is being held in Pakistan and Dubai, but India are the only team playing all their matches at a single venue.
This setup has sparked discussions, as other teams must travel between three cities in Pakistan and Dubai.
"I think it's a unique tournament already," Buttler said in the pre-game press conference ahead of the Afghanistan game.
Captain's stance
Buttler's focus remains on game preparation
As mentioned, Buttler acknowledged the tournament's unusual circumstances during a pre-match press conference.
However, he emphasized that his primary concern is preparing for their upcoming match against Afghanistan.
"With it being hosted here with one team playing in a different place but that's not something I'm sort of worried too much about at the moment. I've got all my focus on preparing well tonight and our game tomorrow," said Buttler.
Advantage discussion
Former England captains highlight India's advantage
Former England cricket captains, Nasser Hussain and Mike Atherton, have also weighed in on the debate.
They noted that India's consistent playing conditions and lack of travel could be an advantage.
"What about the advantage India have in playing in Dubai, only in Dubai? Which seems to me to be a hard-to-quantify advantage, but an undeniable advantage," Atherton said during a Sky Sports conversation with Hussain.
"They're playing at just one venue. They don't have to travel either," Atherton added.
Consensus
Hussain agrees with Atherton's assessment
Hussain concurred with Atherton's observation of India being in a favorable position in the tournament.
He emphasized that India's team can concentrate only on Dubai conditions, being aware that they will play their semi-final there if they qualify.
"They are at one place, one hotel, they don't have to travel. They have one dressing room. They know the pitch, they have picked for that pitch," Hussain added during their Sky Sports discussion.
Strategic advantage
Cummins and Hussain on India's strategy
Australia's regular captain, Pat Cummins, who is sidelined from the Champions Trophy due to an ankle injury, also acknowledged India's advantage.
He said playing all their games on the same ground gives them a huge edge.
Hussain further explained how this enabled India to strategically field an extra spinner on Dubai's slow pitch, calling it a masterstroke.
England
A look at England's schedule in the Champions Trophy
The Three Lions started their campaign with a five-wicket loss against Australia in Lahore at Gaddafi Stadium on February 22.
They lock horns with Afghanistan on February 26 (today) at the Gaddafi Stadium.
Their last group stage game is against South Africa on March 1 in Karachi at the National Bank Stadium.