The Lord's pitch used for the England vs New Zealand Test in June has undergone a significant overhaul, being re-laid by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) and will remain out of action for two to three years. This decision follows the pitch receiving its first demerit point from the ICC, which deemed it "unsatisfactory" due to excessive seam movement and inconsistent bounce during the match.

In this match, all 40 wickets fell in just 166 overs, highlighting the pitch's issues. In response, the MCC initiated reconstruction efforts earlier this month after conducting a comprehensive review of the pitch conditions at Lord's.

Key points regarding the pitch's future include:

• The MCC plans to implement hybrid pitches, which have proven to be more durable, although they are currently not permitted for Test matches.
• The club is developing the first of three drop-in trays, intended for installation in 2028.
• These permanent drop-ins will be established for long-term use, unlike seasonal replacements used in some Australian venues.

Looking ahead, Lord's is set to host two Tests next year: one against Bangladesh in May and another against Australia at the end of June during the Ashes series. Meanwhile, the Kia Oval has been selected as the venue for the World Test Championship final.