MCC dig up unsatisfactory Test pitch after ICC demerit point

Marylebone Cricket Club has dug up the Test pitch at Lord's after it received an ICC demerit point for unsatisfactory conditions. The surface was used for the New Zealand Test in June where 40 wickets fell in just 166 overs, prompting the governing body's sanction.

The demerit point was issued under the ICC's pitch monitoring system which assesses surfaces based on the balance between bat and ball. Pitches that produce excessive assistance to bowlers or deteriorate too rapidly attract penalties that can affect future international allocations.

MCC has begun remedial work on the square to address the issues identified by the ICC. The club maintains several pitches at Lord's and will need to ensure future Test surfaces meet the required standards for international cricket.