Former England captain Nasser Hussain harshly criticized the pitch after 33 wickets fell in the first two days of the first Test match between England and New Zealand at Lord's.
16 wickets fell on Day 1 and 17 more on Day 2 due to the surface's inconsistent bounce and severe seam movement. New Zealand responded with 113 after England was knocked out for 140 in the first innings. England then scored 226 before reducing New Zealand to 36/3 as they attempted to overhaul the 254-run target.
The Lord’s groundstaff rejuvenated the pitch by relaying the outfield during the off-season and also gave the surface a steam treatment, but it resulted in the surface losing all the pace. This resulted in an Inconsistency rating of 7.5/10, reportedly the highest recorded for a Test pitch in England.
Vaughan stated that the MCC is aware that the pitch has fallen short of expectations, while Hussain called the surface "substandard" and "not good enough" for Test cricket.
"Both teams have bowled exceptionally well, but the pitch is below par and has been for quite some time. This is a historic venue hosting its 150th Test match and will stage three Tests this year. Everything around the ground is world-class, but ultimately the most important area is the 22 yards in the middle,'' Hussain stated on Sky Sports.
"The grounds staff know the issues. They know it lacks pace and that it offers inconsistent bounce and seam movement, particularly in cloudy conditions. They've tried everything, covering it with a dome, steaming it, but nothing seems to have changed. Throughout this Test, it has lacked pace, and when it does speed up, it misbehaves," Hussain added.
Hussain acknowledged the excellent quick bowling on display but contended that batters have had few opportunities to succeed on the wicket.
"There has been absolutely no chance for the batters, Lord's has so many positives. The attention to detail around the ground is outstanding. But the most crucial part of any cricket venue is the pitch, and right now, it is not good enough," he said.
England remains the favorite to win the game as New Zealand still requires 218 runs to win with seven wickets in hand.
