The short version
- Pitch Nine at Lord's has been excavated and will remain out of commission until at least 2029 due to persistent quality issues.
- The decision follows an International Cricket Council rating of unsatisfactory for the surface used in a recent Test match against New Zealand.
- Management is accelerating plans for hybrid and drop-in pitches to maintain scheduling capabilities while natural surfaces are rehabilitated.
A significant transformation is underway at Lord's, the historic home of cricket in London, where heavy machinery has been deployed to excavate one of the venue's central playing strips. This marks a rare and drastic intervention for the ground, which has faced mounting pressure to address long-standing concerns regarding the quality and consistency of its playing surfaces. The removal of Pitch Nine, one of five primary strips used for high-profile matches, represents a pivotal moment in the club's efforts to restore confidence in its facilities after years of criticism from players, officials, and governing bodies.
The immediate catalyst for this action was the performance of the pitch during England's Test match against New Zealand in June. That surface drew sharp rebuke for being excessively difficult for batting, contributing to a game that could have concluded within two days had it not been interrupted by adverse weather conditions. The International Cricket Council officially rated the surface as unsatisfactory, resulting in a demerit point on Lord's record. England captain Ben Stokes publicly stated that such conditions do not benefit the format of Test cricket, highlighting a growing disconnect between the venue's output and the expectations of modern professional play.
This incident is part of a broader pattern of dissatisfaction with Lord's pitches over the past several years. Under previous rating systems, surfaces used for men's Tests against Ireland in 2019, New Zealand in 2021, and Australia in 2023 were all deemed average. A women's one-day international against India in 2022 also received similar mediocre assessments. Critics have frequently described the grounds as slow and low, arguing that they fail to provide the entertaining, balanced contests expected at cricket's spiritual home. These recurring issues prompted the Marylebone Cricket Club to declare in February that the square must be a top priority, leading to the development of a seven-point action plan involving external experts.
The physical work on Pitch Nine involved digging up the entire 22-yard strip over a five-day period. The resulting hole was filled with a base layer of gravel, rolled and tended by groundstaff, and then topped with fresh soil. While the area now appears visually similar to the surrounding square, it will not be available for use until at least 2029. This extended downtime deprives Lord's of one of its main television-friendly pitches during a period when the venue is guaranteed to host at least two Test matches annually by the England and Wales Cricket Board.
The loss of Pitch Nine creates immediate logistical challenges for upcoming fixtures. Major events scheduled for next year include the second men's Ashes Test in late June, a women's Ashes one-day international in July, a men's Test against Bangladesh in May, and a men's ODI in September. Mark Nicholas, chair of the MCC, warned members in a recent letter that they should brace themselves for scheduling difficulties as the club navigates this transition. The absence of a central strip forces organizers to rely more heavily on the remaining pitches, which may exacerbate wear and tear issues if not managed carefully.
To mitigate these risks, Lord's is accelerating its adoption of alternative pitch technologies. The venue already utilizes two hybrid pitches, which combine synthetic fibers with natural grass, and plans to add a third in the spring. While hybrid surfaces are currently prohibited in Test cricket, they are permitted in white-ball internationals and domestic competitions. These surfaces can be revitalized and reused more quickly than traditional natural pitches, potentially relieving some of the pressure on the remaining natural strips while Pitch Nine undergoes its long-term rehabilitation.
In addition to hybrids, Lord's is moving forward with plans to introduce drop-in surfaces. These are pitches grown separately in nursery grounds before being installed at the venue, a practice common in Australia and New Zealand but novel in the United Kingdom. Nicholas indicated earlier this year that drop-ins could be operational as early as 2028. The first trays for these surfaces are set to be introduced to the Nursery Ground in the coming weeks, marking a significant departure from traditional British pitch preparation methods.
The current work represents the most comprehensive review of square and pitch preparation at Lord's in a generation. Nicholas emphasized that while these changes will take time to yield full benefits, they are essential for ensuring the club prepares pitches worthy of its reputation. The success of these initiatives remains uncertain, as the cricketing world watches closely to see whether technological interventions can resolve the persistent quality issues that have plagued one of the sport's most iconic venues.
Sources behind this briefing
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- BBC News↗Why has Lord's dug up its pitch and what comes next?
