Former England spinner Phil Tufnell hit out at a “poor pitch” at Lord’s after Jacob Bethell was the victim of an unfortunate dismissal against New Zealand.
England’s No 3 was bowled by a grubber from Matt Henry for 14, with Bethell blameless in falling to a ball that failed to get above even knee height.
Low bounce had been a theme of a rain-interrupted first day, with the opening delivery of the Test not carrying through to Kiwi wicketkeeper Tom Blundell and several batters forced to lunge at balls that shot through.
Three batters have now been bowled leaving on a pitch where judgement is tough as the first match of the series hastens towards a conclusion, with Bethell’s dismissal the most striking incident yet.
“That’s tough for Jacob Bethell, that’s an absolute pea roller,” Tufnell said on BBC Test Match Special. “Good luck playing that, it rolled along. It’s a poor pitch.”
The outfield was relaid at Lord’s this winter, while attempts have been made to improve the condition of the square with a steaming technique previously used on the grass courts at Wimbledon.
Tufnell’s colleague Michael Vaughan had been critical after 16 wickets fell in on a rain-abridged opening day.
“It was a bit inconsistent in terms of bounce,” the former England captain said. “I have been royally entertained, with 16 wickets, but I don’t think it’s a good pitch.
“The MCC would be the first to admit that something is not quite right with this square. It’s been an issue for a few years.”
This is the first of three Tests at Lord’s this summer. England’s women play India at the ground in a one-off encounter in July, before the men host Pakistan from Thursday 27 August.
