'Unsatisfactory' Lord's pitch dug up by MCC after first demerit point
The Lord's pitch that was used for England's Test against New Zealand in June has been re-laid by the Marylebone Cricket Club and will be out of action for two or three years.
Key points
- The Lord's pitch used for England's Test against New Zealand in June has been re-laid and will be out of action for two or three years.
- The ICC gave the pitch its first demerit point after match referee Andy Pycroft found excessive seam movement and inconsistent bounce.
- All 40 wickets fell in just 166 overs during the match.
The Lord's pitch used for England's Test against New Zealand in June has been re-laid by the Marylebone Cricket Club and will be out of action for two or three years. The ICC handed the pitch its first demerit point after match referee Andy Pycroft deemed it "unsatisfactory" due to excessive seam movement and inconsistent bounce. All 40 wickets fell in just 166 overs during the match.
MCC's response and future plans
The MCC recently re-laid the pitch following a review of the Lord's square, with work beginning earlier this month. The club told members that the decision was taken after the most comprehensive review of Lord's pitch conditions.
The MCC also plans to use hybrid pitches, which data has found to be more durable than traditional pitches. Hybrid pitches are not permitted in Tests. The club is producing the first of three drop-in trays, which will be moved to the main square in 2028. These permanent drop-ins will be installed on a long-term basis, unlike those removed and replaced seasonally at multi-use venues in Australia.
unsatisfactory
— Andy Pycroft
Upcoming matches at Lord's
Lord's is scheduled to stage two Tests next year: against Bangladesh in May and Australia at the end of June in the Ashes. The Kia Oval has been chosen as the host venue for the World Test Championship final.
