New Delhi, June 6 (IANS) Former England captain Nasser Hussain has criticised the Lord’s pitch as “substandard” and “not good enough” for Test cricket after 33 wickets fell in the opening two days of England’s first Test against New Zealand, reigniting debate over the quality of surfaces at the iconic venue.
The contest at Lord’s has been mostly about the bowlers. England set New Zealand a target of 218 after being bowled out for a low score in their second innings. New Zealand bowler Nathan Smith took advantage of the uneven bounce and seam movement, claiming six wickets for 70 runs. England’s batting fell apart at one point, losing four wickets in just 11 balls.
The pitch has faced criticism despite considerable work done in the off-season. The ground staff relaid the outfield and used steam at 200 degrees Celsius to kill pathogens and revitalize the soil under the pitch.
However, Hussain thinks these efforts have not solved ongoing problems.
“Both teams have shown high-quality bowling, but the pitch is below par, and it has been for quite a while,” Hussain told Sky Sports.
“This historic ground is hosting its 150th Test match and will hold three Tests this year.
“It’s a venue that mixes tradition with modernity, but ultimately, the 22 yards in the center are crucial.
“Everything has been attempted to improve it. The grounds staff know it lacks pace and offers inconsistent bounce and seam movement in cloudy conditions. They covered it with a dome and tried steaming, but nothing has changed.
“Throughout this Test match, it has lacked pace, and when it speeds up, it misbehaves.”
This criticism comes months after the pitch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground was rated “unsatisfactory” by the ICC after a Boxing Day Ashes Test that finished in two days. The ICC is expected to evaluate and give its opinion on the Lord’s pitch after this Test.
Hussain pointed out that although fast bowlers from both teams have excelled, the conditions have made it hard for batters to succeed.
“There has been absolutely no chance for the batters,” he said.
“Lord’s has many positive aspects. The attention to detail around the ground is excellent.
“But the most crucial part, the pitch, is not good enough.”
Former New Zealand bowler and Sky Sports analyst Simon Doull shared Hussain’s concerns. He suggested that the England and Wales Cricket Board should consider moving matches if the pitch does not improve.
“There comes a time when you have to ask: ‘What will the ECB do about the Lord’s pitch?’” Doull said on Sky Sports Cricket.
“I think the ECB needs to work with the MCC and say: ‘We’re sorry, but we may have to take games away, as the pitch is not up to standard.’
“Until the ECB decides to move games from Lord’s, it doesn’t push the MCC to spend money and fix the pitch.”
Doull expressed sympathy for the ground staff, stating that the issue runs deeper than daily preparation.
“The outfield looks fantastic, and I feel for the staff. They are dealing with an old pitch block, which is not suitable for their needs.
“They know their job well and understand what needs to be done. But they are working with a poor surface that has seen better days.
“It’s worn out, it’s aged, and it needs to be replaced.”
Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad recognized that modern Test pitches should give batters more chances, but he felt Lord’s had still facilitated engaging cricket.
“On Test match pitches and the quality of bowling in this format, you don’t need as much sideways movement as this pitch has offered. Bowlers can create movement themselves,” Broad told Sky Sports Cricket.
“There’s been a lot of discussion about the pitch. Last night, I was on the tube with people who had watched the cricket. Everyone was talking about how much they enjoyed the day. The excitement of the wickets, the crowds, and the unpredictability.
“Regardless of what is said about the surface, if the day is entertaining, that’s a plus. Again today, it’s been a thrilling day!”
Broad, however, acknowledged that pitches should find a better balance between bat and ball.
“I’m not saying these pitches are excellent for Test cricket; they need to be better for batting.
“What we saw in Australia during the Ashes was that Sydney had a brilliant and intriguing pitch. Batters should be able to score centuries, while bowlers should have to work hard for wickets.
“But that hasn’t taken away from the entertainment.”
–IANS
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