The MCC has apologised for the condition of the Lord’s pitch and says it will ‘act quickly’ to rectify the issue after receiving criticism for the wicket’s uneven bounce during England’s 115-run victory against New Zealand. Lord’s 150th Test match was the ground’s second shortest on record, lasting 165 overs in total. Thirty-three wickets fell inside the first two days, while 17 of those came on day two, with New Zealand’s Nathan Smith taking a six-wicket haul. Batters on both sides struggled to score, with
England’s Harry Brook and Emilio Gay the only two players to bring up half-centuries. England beat New Zealand by 115 runs in first TestScorecard: England vs New Zealand, first Test, Lord’sGot Sky? Watch England vs NZ live on the Sky Sports appNot got Sky? Get instant access with NOW – no contract In a statement released after Ben Stokes’ side took a 1-0 lead in the series, an MCC spokesperson said: “We recognise the pitch for this Test has shown more variable bounce than we
would have wanted. “We hold ourselves to the highest standards and are naturally frustrated when a surface falls short of those expectations.” MCC grounds staff have worked hard in the off-season to try and bring the pitch up to Test standard, relaying the outfield and even blowing 200°C steam on the wicket, in a bid to kill pathogens in the soil. They had hoped the measures would revitalise the ageing wicket, but concerns have been raised that the wicket was not conducive to the Test
format. “The MCC invests significantly each year in the preparation of the main square at Lord’s, as well as in research, technology and expertise aimed at producing pitches that provide a fair and consistent contest between bat and ball,” its statement continued. “The unusally hot and dry weather during May, followed by wetter conditions in the lead up to the match presented a number of challenges in preparing the pitch. “However, we fully recognise the need to act quickly. We will remain fully focused on
applying all aspects of pitch development as outlined in our recently published MCC Cricket Strategy 2026-29.” More to follow. Watch day one of the second Test between England and New Zealand, at The Kia Oval, live on from 10am on Wednesday June 17 (11am first ball). Stream cricket and more with NOW – no contract.
MCC, Lord's pitch, England vs New Zealand, Ben Stokes, Nathan Smith, Harry Brook, Emilio Gay, uneven bounce, 165 overs
So they apologize for the pitch but England still won… kinda seems pointless.
How does a pitch bounce unevenly and they’re like “high standards”?? Also 200°C steam?? that sounds like a cooking show gone wrong.
I saw someone say it was “too old” like the ground just wasn’t updated since the 1800s lol. But then it says they steamed it and everything, so… did that make it worse or what. If it was hot and dry in May then why not water it more beforehand?
Pitch was clearly uneven, sure, but at the end of the day England batted better. 165 overs is short?? I swear test matches never end anymore unless the umps mess something up. They blame weather, pathogens, strategy 2026-29… I just want a normal wicket, not a science experiment.