Lord’s is undertaking a major overhaul of its playing surfaces after receiving its first-ever International Cricket Council (ICC) demerit point, with Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) rebuilding the Test pitch at the centre of the controversy and introducing new measures that could reshape how the historic venue manages its international schedule.
According to a report by Cricinfo‘s Matt Roller, MCC has begun reconstructing Pitch 9, one of the five central strips used for international cricket at Lord’s. The surface is expected to remain unavailable for two or three seasons, creating additional pressure on groundstaff as the venue prepares for future Test matches and other major fixtures.
The decision follows the ICC’s assessment of the pitch used for England’s Test victory over New Zealand in June. Match Referee Andy Pycroft rated the surface “unsatisfactory” because of excessive seam movement and variable bounce.
All 40 wickets fell within 166 overs during the match, with 24 dismissals recorded as bowled or leg before wicket (lbw).
MCC launches major review of Lord’s pitches
MCC Chair Mark Nicholas responded to the ICC sanction by developing a seven-point action plan focused on the condition of the square and the club’s pitch preparation processes.
MCC Director of Cricket and Operations Rob Lynch subsequently worked with the groundstaff to obtain specialist advice and commission data analysis, forming part of a wider assessment of the venue’s playing surfaces.
Nicholas described the exercise as “the most comprehensive review of the square and pitch preparation at Lord’s in a generation”, with the findings informing the decision to reconstruct Pitch 9.
Work on the central strip began earlier this month, removing one of Lord’s principal international pitches from use while the reconstruction takes place.
In an email to MCC members and visitors, Nicholas wrote that the programme was intended to “ensure that the club prepares pitches worthy of the ground’s reputation”.
Scheduling challenges ahead for Lord’s
The loss of Pitch 9 will reduce the number of central strips available for international cricket at a venue that is scheduled to host two men’s Test matches annually under its existing staging agreement, which runs until 2031.
MCC is also considering longer preparation periods ahead of major fixtures, particularly Ashes Tests, to give groundstaff additional time to produce suitable playing surfaces.
These changes could affect the scheduling of smaller matches traditionally held at Lord’s. One option under consideration is moving some recreational fixtures to Sir Paul Getty’s Ground at Wormsley.
MCC intends to develop Wormsley as a partner venue following a successful pilot programme this summer, although arrangements for any fixture transfers have not been finalised.
Nicholas acknowledged the potential disruption, writing: “We should all be braced for the scheduling challenges these plans will bring in the coming years.”
Hybrid pitches form part of MCC’s long-term strategy
Alongside the reconstruction, MCC is expanding its use of hybrid pitches as it seeks greater flexibility in managing the Lord’s square.
A third hybrid strip is scheduled for installation in the spring. The surface will consist of 95% natural turf and 5% synthetic material, offering an alternative to conventional grass pitches.
Hybrid surfaces are already widely used in English domestic cricket and are considered more consistent and capable of being prepared for reuse more quickly than traditional turf strips.
They are not currently permitted for Test matches, although they can be used for limited-overs internationals with the agreement of both competing teams and the ICC.
Discussing their role in the club’s preparations, Nicholas wrote: “Their efficient use will help relieve pressure caused by the loss of Pitch 9 for the next couple of years.”
Permanent drop-in pitches planned for 2028
MCC is also developing its first three permanent drop-in pitch trays, introducing another approach to managing the playing surfaces at Lord’s.
The first tray is expected to be transferred to the main square in 2028 after an incubation period on the nursery ground.
Unlike the removable pitches used at some multipurpose Australian stadiums, the Lord’s versions are intended to remain in place over the long term rather than being installed and removed between seasons.
The project forms part of MCC’s broader efforts to improve pitch preparation while accommodating the demands of an international cricket calendar.
Ashes Test among major fixtures on Lord’s calendar
Lord’s is scheduled to host England’s Test against Bangladesh from May 28 to June 1 next summer, followed by an Ashes Test against Australia from June 30 to July 4.
The venue will not host the 2027 World Test Championship final, with the ICC selecting The Oval instead.
The New Zealand Test was not representative of every international surface prepared at Lord’s during the summer. The pitches used for England Women’s Test against India and England Men’s Test against Pakistan both received “satisfactory” ratings.
Four other international pitches, used for three Women’s T20 World Cup matchdays and England Men’s ODI against India, were rated “very good”.
