‘We got it wrong’: MCC break silence at Lord’s after England Test win

England captain Ben Stokes celebrates with teammates (AP Photo) Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has acknowledged concerns about the Lord’s pitch used for the opening Test between England and New Zealand, admitting the surface did not meet the standards expected at the iconic venue.After England’s 115-run victory on Sunday, the MCC issued a statement regarding the conduct of the pitch, which came under scrutiny for inconsistent bounce during the match.“We realize that the pitch for this test showed more variable bounce than we would have liked.“We hold ourselves to the highest standards and are naturally frustrated when a surface falls short of those expectations.”The club emphasized that significant funds are spent each year on the preparation of playing surfaces at Lord’s. He pointed to continued investment in pitch maintenance, research and expertise aimed at creating a balanced playing field for both batsmen and bowlers.“The MCC invests significantly every year in the preparation of the main square at Lord’s, as well as in research, technology and expertise to produce pitches that deliver a fair and consistent match between bat and ball.”The statement also highlighted the weather issues faced by the ground staff in preparation for the match. According to the MCC, unusually hot and dry conditions during May were followed by wetter weather closer to the Test, causing complications during pitch preparation.“Unseasonably hot and dry weather during May, followed by wetter conditions at the start of the match, presented a number of challenges in pitch preparation.”The MCC acknowledged the problems and said it was already focusing on improving and implementing the plans outlined in its recently released cricket strategy.“However, we are fully aware of the need to act quickly. We will remain fully focused on implementing all aspects of the development and improvement of the pitch as outlined in our recently published MCC Cricket Strategy 2026-29.”The pitch proved to be very favorable for bowling during the competition. England completed a comprehensive 115-run win on the fourth morning after bowling out New Zealand for 138 while defending a target of 254.New Zealand resumed on Day 4 at 55/5 but lost their remaining wickets in 40.3 overs. Gus Atkinson played with career best figures of 5/30, while Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue chipped in with two wickets apiece. Devon Conway top scored with 41 while Glenn Phillips remained unbeaten on 44.The fast bowlers dominated the match from start to finish, needing only 166 overs in four innings to achieve the result. After being bowled out for 140 through Harry Brook’s 56 in their first innings, England hit hard as Robinson’s 5/39 helped bowl out New Zealand for 113 to secure a 27-run lead.England then posted 226 in their second innings thanks to a patient Emilio Gay 57 and Jamie Smith 39. Despite Nathan Smith claiming career-best figures of 6/70, the hosts set New Zealand a tough target which ultimately proved unattainable.Robinson’s five-wicket first innings earned him Man of the Match honors as England took a 1–0 lead in the three-Test series. The teams will now head to The Oval for the second Test starting on June 17.