England vs New Zealand: Ben Stokes says Lord’s pitch doesn’t suit Test format

In response to criticism of the pitch, Lord’s owners Marylebone Cricket Club (MCCC) admitted the pitch had fallen short of expectations.

“We recognize that the field used for this test showed a higher frequency of change than we would have liked,” said MCCC CEO and Secretary Rob Lawson.

“We hold ourselves to high standards and are naturally frustrated when a floor falls below expectations.

“The MCC invests heavily every year in the preparation of the main course at Lord’s as well as in research, technology and expertise to develop pitches that deliver fair and consistent batting and ball competition.

The unusually hot and dry weather in May and wet conditions in the run-up to the game presented a number of challenges in preparing the field.

Lord’s hosts two England men’s Tests every summer and will host the first women’s Test this year when England take on India.

After hosting the final of the World Test Championship last year, it will host the Women’s T20 World Cup final in July.

In February, the MCC published its cricket strategy, which said: “The square must be at the forefront of the club’s priorities.”

The MCC copied the “steam” system used by the All England Lawn Tennis Club for the courts hosting Wimbledon.

“200 degree steam” involves putting seven inches into the grass. The club said the process would result in “positive improvements”, but acknowledged the need to replant the square. MCC is also experimenting with fall tones that are commonly used in Australia.

For England and Stokes, perhaps, the manner of the victory was not important after their 4-1 loss on the Ashes tour of Australia.

All batting coach Brendon McCullum and director of cricket Rob Key have remained in their jobs despite the heavy losses.

And Stokes admits he knows the pressure his management would be under if England were to be on the wrong end of another defeat.

“I’m not going to lie, I’m very, very happy we won this week,” he said. “I know how big this game is in terms of the results and how it looks outside if it’s not good.

“I’m not happy until I share a beer with the boys.

“We won our first game of the season, it’s great to be able to do that, but we’ve got five more to go, we’ve got one test, and there’s still a long way to go.”