'The ground was soft and spongy' - Rahul Dravid slams Nassau County outfield in New York which troubled India's fielders

Ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup campaign for the Indian cricket team which starts on June 5 against Ireland, India played their only warm-up game against Bangladesh on Saturday. 

BET NOW: Exclusive sign-up offers and bonuses when you bet on T20 World Cup action

The match was held at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in the United States, the venue which will be hosting India’s first three group stage games of the tournament including the highly anticipated clash against Pakistan. 

Following a comprehensive 62-run victory over the Asian rivals despite absence of Virat Kohli, head coach of the team, Rahul Dravid was critical about the playing conditions at the stadium. Dravid is currently in his final month of his coaching tenure with India and will be stepping down following India’s T20 World Cup campaign. 

READ MORE: 'There is no bigger honour' - Gautam Gambhir states he is ready to become India's head coach

What did Dravid say about the pitch?

Following the game, Dravid talked about the team's performance and the issues that the players and the coaching staff found with the pitch. He also stated the team will now be focusing on the opening game against the Irish.

A little bit spongy (pitch) at times, guys could feel the effect on the hamstring and calves but I thought we coped really well. The batters had put an above-par score on that wicket and the bowlers came out and bowled really well. All in all, we got run-around and to get a game here is really nice. Hopefully, we can prepare well for the next couple of days and be ready.

Rohit Sharma and co. must be confident entering the World Cup, following the impressive win over Bangladesh despite the conditions. 

READ MORE: Sanju fails again: In form Pant set to be India's first-choice wicket-keeper

India’s schedule for the World Cup