Lord's digs up cricket pitch - why the drastic action and what next?

bbc news Oct 21, 2026 12:08 1 min read 4 reads

After years of comment, Lord's has dug up one of its pitches for the first time in more than 25 years. Why the drastic action and what next?

Digger on the square at Lord's during work on pitch — Image caption,
Work began on the pitch earlier this month

ByMatthew HenryBBC Sport journalist

Published21 October 2026, 12:48 BST

Updated 5 minutes ago

It is the sight no-one has seen for a generation.

Diggers in front of Lord's famous old pavilion. A gaping hole in the middle of the square.

After years of issues and complaints around the playing surface at cricket's spiritual home, those in charge have taken the drastic step to dig up one of its strips.

So what caused it, what is being done and what does it mean for the future?