Lord's cricket pitch undergoes major excavation and renovation

BBC Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 21, 2026, 11:48 AM

Last updated Oct 21, 2026

Lord's cricket pitch undergoes major excavation and renovation

Summary

Lord's has begun the process of digging up Pitch Nine, a significant move as it's the first pitch overhaul in over 25 years. This decision comes after multiple complaints regarding its playing surface, during a June Test match against New Zealand, which was deemed unsatisfactory. The renovation includes adding gravel and fresh soil, and Pitch Nine is expected to be out of action until at least 2029. The Marylebone Cricket Club plans to implement hybrid and drop-in pitches to mitigate the loss of this key surface for upcoming matches, including a men’s Test against Bangladesh next May.

Source Links

BBC Sport

Key Details

•Digging of Pitch Nine commenced earlier this month.
•The surface was criticized during a June Test match for being unsatisfactory.
•Pitch Nine will remain out of use until 2029 at the earliest.
•Lord's plans to introduce hybrid pitches and drop-in surfaces.
•Next men’s Test match at Lord's is against Bangladesh in May.

Latest Updates

11:48 AMBBC Sport — Why has Lord's dug up its pitch and what comes next?

What they're saying

"
After years of comment, Lord's has dug up one of its pitches for the first time in more than 25 years. Why the drastic action and what next?
— BBC Sport

Related Teams & Leagues

Cricket