The contest at Lord\u2019s has been mostly about the bowlers. England set New Zealand a target of 218 after being bowled out for a low score in their second innings. New Zealand bowler Nathan Smith took advantage of the uneven bounce and seam movement, claiming six wickets for 70 runs. England's batting fell apart at one point, losing four wickets in just 11 balls.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The pitch has faced criticism despite considerable work done in the off-season. The ground staff relaid the outfield and used steam at 200 degrees Celsius to kill pathogens and revitalize the soil under the pitch.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
However, Hussain thinks these efforts have not solved ongoing problems.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cBoth teams have shown high-quality bowling, but the pitch is below par, and it has been for quite a while,\u201d Hussain told Sky Sports.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"This historic ground is hosting its 150th Test match and will hold three Tests this year.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"It\u2019s a venue that mixes tradition with modernity, but ultimately, the 22 yards in the center are crucial.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"Everything has been attempted to improve it. The grounds staff know it lacks pace and offers inconsistent bounce and seam movement in cloudy conditions. They covered it with a dome and tried steaming, but nothing has changed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThroughout this Test match, it has lacked pace, and when it speeds up, it misbehaves.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
This criticism comes months after the pitch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground was rated \u201cunsatisfactory\u201d by the ICC after a Boxing Day Ashes Test that finished in two days. The ICC is expected to evaluate and give its opinion on the Lord\u2019s pitch after this Test.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Hussain pointed out that although fast bowlers from both teams have excelled, the conditions have made it hard for batters to succeed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThere has been absolutely no chance for the batters,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"Lord\u2019s has many positive aspects. The attention to detail around the ground is excellent.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"But the most crucial part, the pitch, is not good enough.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Former New Zealand bowler and Sky Sports analyst Simon Doull shared Hussain\u2019s concerns. He suggested that the England and Wales Cricket Board should consider moving matches if the pitch does not improve.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThere comes a time when you have to ask: \u2018What will the ECB do about the Lord\u2019s pitch?\u2019\u201d Doull said on Sky Sports Cricket.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"I think the ECB needs to work with the MCC and say: \u2018We\u2019re sorry, but we may have to take games away, as the pitch is not up to standard.\u2019<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cUntil the ECB decides to move games from Lord\u2019s, it doesn\u2019t push the MCC to spend money and fix the pitch.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Doull expressed sympathy for the ground staff, stating that the issue runs deeper than daily preparation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"The outfield looks fantastic, and I feel for the staff. They are dealing with an old pitch block, which is not suitable for their needs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"They know their job well and understand what needs to be done. But they are working with a poor surface that has seen better days.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s worn out, it\u2019s aged, and it needs to be replaced.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad recognized that modern Test pitches should give batters more chances, but he felt Lord\u2019s had still facilitated engaging cricket.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cOn Test match pitches and the quality of bowling in this format, you don\u2019t need as much sideways movement as this pitch has offered. Bowlers can create movement themselves,\u201d Broad told Sky Sports Cricket.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"There\u2019s been a lot of discussion about the pitch. Last night, I was on the tube with people who had watched the cricket. Everyone was talking about how much they enjoyed the day. The excitement of the wickets, the crowds, and the unpredictability.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cRegardless of what is said about the surface, if the day is entertaining, that\u2019s a plus. Again today, it\u2019s been a thrilling day!\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Broad, however, acknowledged that pitches should find a better balance between bat and ball.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"I'm not saying these pitches are excellent for Test cricket; they need to be better for batting.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Broad, however, acknowledged that pitches should find a better balance between bat and ball.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cBut that hasn\u2019t taken away from the entertainment.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n