The Mecca of Cricket Lord’s pitch has been affected by a fungal infection known as the ‘fairy rings’ which has appeared to taken root on the square and has caused several unusual markings on the pitch which is more prevalent at a good length in the Pavilion End.
“It is a natural phenomenon and is not expected to have any impact on play,” said a spokesman for Marylebone Cricket Club the owner of Lord’s. The spectators and few observers have recalled that it is a common sight on club squares during this time of the year.
“I saw it from around where the (limited-overs) 30-yard circle would be and was wondering what it was and if it would have any effect,” West Indies captain Jason Holder told reporters at Lord’s on Wednesday.
Holder said only time would tell whether the marks will be a distraction for the batsmen.
“Only time will tell … but we hope it doesn’t (prove a distraction) and the guys can put it aside.”
“You’re pretty much looking at the bowler’s hand, and that’s a lot higher than where the patch is – so I hope the guys can focus on the bowler’s arm, and not the pitch.” Most of the members in the Windies side will be playing their very first Test at the Mecca of Cricket. They consulted former left arm speedster Paul Hutchison who has played at Lord’s for the Middlesex before.
“We’ve tried to get as much information as possible coming into this game.e’ve got the luxury of having an outsider, Paul Hutchison give us some tips about how to bowl here at Lord’s.
“There’s a lot of talk about the slope and such and we’ve studied it and had a chance to formulate some plans about how we go it.
The 25-year-old pacer further added:
“But cricket is always played on the day. You may be faced with different dilemmas and you just have to adjust and cope with it. That’s the nature of professional sport.”