Hybrid pitch to be used at Lord’s for the first time in MCC match

Installed in early April, the partly synthetic pitch will be used, for the most part, for practice and minor matches

^{The Home of Cricket is using a hybrid pitch for the first time today}

Lord’s is set to play host to its first ever fixture on a hybrid pitch on Tuesday as MCC play a Club Cricket Conference XI.

Installed in early April, the partly synthetic pitch will be used, for the most part, for practice and minor matches.

The pitch is more than 90 percent grass but it also features loops of plastic yarn. These are woven into the ground using a laser-guided stitching machine which helps to bind the grass roots together.

The new hybrid pitch was originally set for its debut in the MCC versus MCC Young Cricketers match in May, but the fixture was washed out without a ball being bowled.

John Stephenson, MCC assistant secretary (cricket) said: “MCC have long been at the forefront of innovation in cricket and hybrid pitches, although popular in other sports, are a rarity in cricket but can help ease congestion on busy squares, like Lord’s.

“It is great that we can finally host our first game on the pitch and we look forward to seeing how it plays.”

The Club Cricket Conference XI will feature some of the best players from the many clubs and leagues that the CCC represents, and the match began at 10.30am.

A POSTCARD FROM LORD'S