Lord's pitch dug up after 'unsatisfactory' rating by ICC and demerit point following England vs New Zealand Test

Pitch 9, one of five central strips at Lord's, was handed its first demerit point and deemed "unsatisfactory" by the ICC after match referee Andy Pycroft found excessive seam movement and inconsistent bounce during this summer's Test against the Kiwis.

All 40 wickets fell in just 166 overs during the match.

In response, the MCC has recently re-laid the pitch following a review of the Lord's square.

Work to reconstruct the pitch began earlier this month.

The MCC told members this week that the decision to dig up the pitch was taken after the most comprehensive review of Lord's pitch conditions.

The MCC also plans to use hybrid pitches, which the data has found to be more durable than traditional pitches. Hybrid pitches are not permitted to be used in Tests.

The club is also producing the first of three drop-in trays, which will be moved to the main square in 2028.

The 'permanent drop-ins' will be installed on a long-term basis, rather than being removed and replaced seasonally like those found at multi-use venues in Australia.

Lord's is currently 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.

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