Ben Stokes during the recent Lord's Test (Source: AFP Photos)
Ben Stokes returned to the highest level of cricket last week when England and New Zealand were up against each other in the first of the three-match Test series. It took place at the Lord’s, that too for the 150th time in this format.
Unfortunately for the spectators, the Lord’s Test did not last long between England and New Zealand. As many as four fast bowlers took five-wicket hauls in this Test match: Kyle Jamieson, the returning Ollie Robinson, Nathan Smith and Gus Atkinson.
More significantly, only 166 overs were bowled during the Lord’s Test. In terms of overs, this was the second-shortest Test match at this venue since 1888. In other records, these many deliveries (996) were the third shortest across any sides at any venue where all 40 wickets had fallen.
Ben Stokes Blasts Lord's Pitch For Test Cricket's Sake
Speaking on the BBC Test Match Special, Ben Stokes had to make his honest admission about Lord’s pitch. England captain, who enjoyed an 115-run victory over New Zealand in the summer’s first outing, mentioned it was not the best of the surfaces for Test cricket.
Also Read: Ben Stokes Issues Official Statement On England Captaincy After Ashes Defeat
However, at the same time, Stokes mentioned that the groundstaff had not done anything intentionally, although, for a fact, pitch curators and the officials, as well as the members of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), must know what they are doing.
"From someone who loves Test cricket, is that something that will benefit Test cricket? I don't think so," Stokes said. "But nobody's doing it on purpose. It's a tough job to be a groundsman," he added.
Ben Stokes Wipes Out 'Test Cricket Dead' Debate
Furthermore, Stokes added why Test cricket for more days is important from a viewer’s point of view. Nevertheless, he too noted that there is no point at which Test cricket will be dead and buried if that happens as part of a continuous process.
During Ashes 2025/26, two matches between England and Australia were done and dusted within two days. They were the first Test, which took place in Perth. The fourth Test wrapped up in the same manner, and this time, it was Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) which hosted the game.
"I get asked questions all the time about the longevity of this format, people even talk about saving Test cricket, which for me is a bit far," Stokes added.
"The game is played over five days and without a little bit of weather this wouldn't have finished on day four. For someone who believes Test cricket should be the best format and should never disappear, that's not ideal from that point of view," he concluded.
It will be interesting to see whether the trend follows in the second Test between England and New Zealand. There is a big gap, as the second Test will take place at The Oval from June 17 onwards. After that, the third Test will follow, from June 25 onwards at the Trent Bridge.
