MCC responds to Lord’s pitch criticism after England-New Zealand Test ends in 996 balls

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) issued a statement after the England-New Zealand Test at Lord's ended in 996 balls. It said the pitch showed variable bounce, adding, "We hold ourselves to the highest standards and are naturally frustrated when a surface falls short of those expectations." It cited unusual weather challenges and said it recognises the need to act quickly.