ENG vs NZ: MCC frustrated by treacherous Lord's pitch used for 1st Test

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) is frustrated after the Lord’s pitch for the first Test between England and New Zealand came under the scanner for being ‘unsporting.’ England registered a 115-run victory in the first session on Day 4, in what turned out to be the second-shortest Test ever at Lord’s, finishing in 166 overs.

The pitch exhibited variable bounce from the first day itself, as several deliveries stayed low, while others climbed onto the batters from the same length. MCC, which is in charge of the Lord’s stadium, has invested heavily to improve the playing surfaces in recent years, which includes ‘steaming’ the pitch and relaying the outfield ahead of the ongoing season.

However, despite their best efforts, the pitch has fallen short of expectations.

"We recognise that 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 chief executive Rob Lawson was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

Lawson also mentioned that there were a number of challenges for head groundsman Karl McDermott and his staff due to the combination of unseasonably hot weather in May, followed by rain in the build-up to the Test. However, he acknowledged that they need to act quickly.

England captain Ben Stokes also criticised the surface, saying that it didn’t provide a great advert for Test cricket.

Stokes expresses concern about the pitch

"I get asked questions all the time about the longevity of this format. The game is played over five days. Without the weather, it wouldn't even have finished on day four. As someone who believes Test cricket should never disappear, that [early finish] is not ideal,” said Stokes after the match.

Meanwhile, the ICC will reveal its pitch rating for the Lord's Test next week after determining if it provided an even contest between bat and ball. Should the surface fail to meet that standard, it will be rated as "unsatisfactory" and the venue will receive one demerit point under the ICC's pitch and outfield monitoring regulations.