Ashish Ranjan
The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) is working on getting more pace for the second Ashes Test at Lord’s in London, which could be a significant boost for England. This comes after the English team lost the first Test at Edgbaston, giving archrivals Australia a 1-0 advantage in the five-match series.
In addition, the English fast bowlers James Anderson and Stuart Broad were unable to unsettle the opposing batting unit, which ultimately led to Australia’s dramatic two-wicket victory. Broad referred to the pitch as’soulless’ after the match, whereas Anderson referred to it as ‘kryptonite’ and added that he would be ‘done’ with the Ashes if comparable pitches were created.
However, according to Jamie Cox, the MCC’s assistant secretary for cricket and logistics, the pitch at the upcoming red ball match in London could aid the English pacers. He added that Lord’s groundsman Karl McDermott was attempting to increase the tempo of the second Test at Lord’s.
“The pitch will be comparable to the one used for the Ireland Test. It just passed through. It was not quick, but simple to score on. When the sun was out, it was a nice pitch to hit. Here, the common expression is “look up, not down.” Therefore, if the sky is clear, the game will speed up. If the weather is warm and sunny, batting will appear enjoyable,” Cox told ‘Code Sports’.
There is always something for bowlers there: Cox
In addition, Jamie Cox reiterated that the pitch will also respond to climatic conditions. Notably, the Lord’s course offers little assistance to spinners. However, Cox believes that spinners can play a role in the second Ashes Test if the weather remains sunny for the majority of the match.
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“We desire a bit more velocity and momentum. Our greatest challenge here is constantly gaining tempo and carry. It’s simply not a surface that is quick and elastic. There is always something there for bowlers, given the overheads, slope, and other factors. Historiographically, it lacks much flourish. But four or five warm days will suffice,” he added.
The second Test is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, June 28, and England will be eager to advance and draw level in the crucial series.
