The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has publicly acknowledged shortcomings regarding the pitch used during the recent Test match between England and New Zealand at Lord's. Following England's 115-run victory, the MCC admitted that the pitch exhibited more variable bounce than expected, which raised concerns among players and spectators alike. The club emphasized its commitment to maintaining high standards and noted that it invests significantly in pitch preparation, including research and expert consultation. The MCC attributed some of the pitch issues to challenging weather conditions leading up to the match, with hot and dry weather in May followed by increased moisture. Despite these challenges, the MCC is determined to enhance pitch quality as part of its cricket strategy for 2026-29. The match itself saw England's fast bowlers dominate, with Gus Atkinson earning the Player of the Match award for his impressive bowling performance. The teams will proceed to The Oval for the second Test on June 17, where the MCC hopes to present a more favorable pitch for players.