ICC rates Lord's pitch as unsatisfactory for England-New Zealand Test

The International Cricket Council has rated the pitch at Lord's as "unsatisfactory" for the first Test between England and New Zealand, awarding the venue one demerit point. England won the match by 115 runs, but pitch conditions led to difficulties in batting, with 33 wickets falling over two days. Match referee Andy Pycroft noted significantly variable bounce and excessive seam movement. This rating marks a continuation of Lord's history of underwhelming pitches, with the surface not benefiting the Test format according to England captain Ben Stokes. The Marylebone Cricket Club plans to implement drop-in pitches by 2028.

• 12:55 PMBBC Sport — Lord's pitch rated 'unsatisfactory' by ICC