Stokes questions Lord’s pitch benefit for Test cricket
7 reported
England captain Ben Stokes said the Lord’s pitch used in the first Test against New Zealand is not helpful for the future of Test cricket, according to a BBC News report. England won the match by 115 runs before lunch on the fourth day, but the surface was described as incredibly difficult for batting. The 166 overs required to complete the Test made it the second-shortest to produce a positive result in 150 matches at Lord’s and the third-shortest at any ground where all 40 wickets fell. Stokes told BBC Test Match Special that while nobody intends such conditions, he does not believe the pitch benefits the format. The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), owners of Lord’s, acknowledged the surface had fallen short of expectations, citing challenges from unusual weather patterns. Stokes also noted the importance of the victory following England’s Ashes defeat in Australia.
What’s reported
England beat New Zealand by 115 runs before lunch on day four.
The match took 166 overs, the second-shortest to produce a positive result at Lord’s and third-shortest at any ground with all 40 wickets falling.
Stokes said the pitch does not benefit Test cricket, but noted nobody does it on purpose.
All 40 wickets fell to seam bowlers, the first completed Test in England since 1988 without a spin delivery.
MCC chief executive Rob Lawson admitted the pitch showed more variable bounce than desired, citing unusually hot and dry May weather followed by wetter conditions.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan said he “felt sorry” for batters; BBC commentator Jonathan Agnew called the pitch “really poor”.
Stokes said he was “very, very happy” with the win, aware of external pressure after the Ashes loss.
Key figures
Ben Stokes (England captain)
Rob Lawson (MCC chief executive and secretary)
Michael Vaughan (former England captain)
Jonathan Agnew (BBC chief cricket commentator)
Brendon McCullum (England coach)
Rob Key (England director of cricket)
Jacob Bethell (England batter)
Jamie Smith (England batter)
Sources: BBC News
