ENG vs NZ: 'Not good enough' - Nasser Hussain blasts Lord's pitch after 33 wickets in two days

A total of 33 wickets fell in the first two days of the opening Test between England and New Zealand at Lord’s, prompting sharp criticism of the pitch from former England captain Nasser Hussain

The surface has produced uneven bounce and excessive seam movement, with 16 wickets falling on Day 1 and 17 more on Day 2. England were bowled out for 140 in the first innings, New Zealand replied with 113, and England then posted 226 before reducing the visitors to 36/3 in pursuit of 254.

Ground staff had attempted to rejuvenate the pitch during the off-season by relaying the outfield and using 200°C steam treatment to eliminate soil pathogens. However, the process appears to have stripped the surface of pace, resulting in an Inconsistency Rating of 7.5/10, reportedly the highest recorded for a Test pitch in England.

Hussain labelled the wicket “substandard” and “not good enough” for Test cricket, while Vaughan said the MCC is aware that the pitch has failed to meet expected standards.

“Both teams have bowled exceptionally well, but the pitch is below par and has been for quite some time,” Hussain said while speaking on Sky Sports.

“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,” he added.

“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.

The criticism comes just months after the ICC rated the Melbourne Cricket Ground pitch as “unsatisfactory” following a Boxing Day Ashes Test that concluded within two days. Similar scrutiny could now await the Lord’s surface once the ongoing Test concludes.

While acknowledging the high quality of fast bowling on display, Hussain argued that the pitch has provided little opportunity for batters to succeed.

“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.

Despite the controversy, England remain firm favourites, with New Zealand needing another 218 runs on the final day with only seven wickets in hand.