Lord’s Cricket Ground has begun reconstruction work on Pitch 9 in October 2026 after receiving its first-ever demerit point from the International Cricket Council (ICC). The sanction followed the England vs New Zealand Test played at the historic venue in early June 2026. As part of the Marylebone Cricket Club’s (MCC) response, the pitch will remain out of use for the next two to three seasons while the club implements a wider plan to improve playing conditions.

MCC chair Mark Nicholas has introduced a seven-point action plan, which the club describes as its most comprehensive review of Lord’s square and pitch preparation in a generation. The reconstruction of Pitch 9 marks the first major step towards addressing the concerns raised following the ICC’s assessment.

However, the club’s strategy extends beyond rebuilding a single surface. MCC plans to install a third hybrid pitch at Lord’s in spring 2027. The surface will comprise 95 per cent natural turf and 5 per cent synthetic fibre, with the objective of improving consistency and maintaining playing standards across the square.

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The club has also started work on its first set of three drop-in trays, with the initial tray expected to be transferred to the main square in 2028. Nicholas explained that the system would help reduce pressure on the remaining pitches while Pitch 9 remains unavailable.

“Their efficient use will help relieve pressure caused by the loss of Pitch 9 for the next couple of years,” Mark Nicholas wrote in his communication to MCC members.

The “unsatisfactory” pitch that earned Lord’s its first-ever demerit point from the ICC has been relaid by MCC groundstaff and will be out of action for at least the next two seasons

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— Cricinfo (@cricinfo) October 14, 2026

Importantly, the ICC’s concerns were limited to Pitch 9. Other international matches at Lord’s during the 2026 summer received positive assessments. The England women’s Test against India and the England men’s Test against Pakistan were rated satisfactory, while four limited-overs international surfaces received very good ratings.

Lord’s is scheduled to host two major men’s Tests in summer 2027, with England facing Bangladesh from May 28 to June 1 before taking on Australia from June 30 to July 4. Pitch 9’s absence could increase the workload on the remaining surfaces during the busy international season.

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The decision to award the 2027 World Test Championship final to The Oval rather than Lord’s has added further attention to the venue’s preparations. Nicholas has acknowledged the scheduling challenges ahead, stressing that the seven-point plan aims to ensure Lord’s continues producing pitches worthy of its reputation as one of cricket’s most iconic grounds.