The pitch used for the second Test between England and Pakistan at Lord's has been rated poor by the International Cricket Council (ICC), with the match finishing inside three days.
ICC rating and match outcome
The ICC's match referee, Ranjan Madugalle, submitted the rating after the game, which saw Pakistan win by 10 wickets on the third day. The rating means Lord's will receive a demerit point, its first since the ICC introduced the system in 2016.
The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), which owns Lord's, said it was "disappointed" with the rating but would not appeal. The club added that it would work with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the ICC to ensure the pitch at Lord's meets the required standards.
Background and context
The pitch was heavily criticised by former players and commentators during the match, with several deliveries keeping low and others bouncing sharply. England were bowled out for 184 in their first innings, while Pakistan made 363 in reply.
This is the first time Lord's has received a demerit point, and it will remain on the ground's record for five years. If a venue accumulates five demerit points in that period, it faces a 12-month ban from hosting international matches.
