Revealed: How Lord’s is taking drastic action to sort pitch problems for 2027 Ashes Test after ‘unsatisfactory’ surface against New Zealand

Lord’s will not host any cricket for 18 days leading up to the 2027 Ashes Test against Australia, which begins on June 30. The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) made the decision to grant head groundsman Karl McDermott extra preparation time following pitch issues during the previous summer. The move comes after the surface used for the June Test against New Zealand received an "unsatisfactory" rating from the ICC and an unprecedented demerit point.

In addition to the extended preparation window, MCC dug up Pitch 9 for the first time in over 25 years, putting it out of action until 2029. Lord’s also plans to install three permanent drop-in pitches over the coming years and will reduce total match days at the venue from 63 to 55 or 56 in 2027.