MCC digs up Lord's Pitch 9 after ICC demerit point for 'unsatisfactory' rating

MCC has begun digging up Pitch 9 at Lord's Cricket Ground in October 2026 after the ICC handed the venue its first-ever demerit point. The sanction followed the England vs New Zealand Test played at the ground in early June 2026, and the surface will now remain out of use for the next two to three seasons.

MCC chair Mark Nicholas responded by putting together a seven-point action plan, which the club described as 'the most comprehensive review of the square and pitch preparation at Lord's in a generation'. The reconstruction of Pitch 9 began this month as the first tangible step in that plan.

What changes is MCC making to the Lord's square?

The club's response extends well beyond relaying a single strip. MCC intends to install a third hybrid pitch at Lord's in spring 2027, a surface built from 95 per cent natural turf and 5 per cent synthetic fibre, with the aim of improving overall consistency across the square.

Alongside that, MCC has begun work on its first set of three drop-in trays. The initial tray is scheduled to be transferred to the main square in 2028. Nicholas explained the purpose of the initiative to members, writing, 'Their efficient use will help relieve pressure caused by the loss of Pitch 9 for the next couple of years'.

It is worth noting that the concerns raised by the ICC were confined to Pitch 9. The England women's Test against India and the England men's Test against Pakistan, both held at Lord's during summer 2026, each received a 'satisfactory' rating. Four limited-overs international surfaces used across three women's T20 World Cup matchdays and one England men's ODI against India were rated 'very good'.

How will the reconstruction affect Lord's upcoming schedule?

Lord's is due to host two men's Tests in summer 2027: England vs Bangladesh from May 28 to June 1, and England vs Australia from June 30 to July 4. Operating without Pitch 9 for those fixtures will place greater demands on the remaining surfaces in the square.

The ICC's decision to award the World Test Championship final to The Oval rather than Lord's has added further context to the ground's current difficulties. Nicholas acknowledged the road ahead in his communication to members, writing, 'We should all be braced for the scheduling challenges these plans will bring in the coming years'. The club has stated that the seven-point action plan is intended to 'ensure that the club prepares pitches worthy of the ground's reputation'.