Over the years, the treacherous Lord’s slope has not only challenged the batters but has also been a nightmare for the wicketkeepers.TimesofIndia.com on Tuesday reported why the eight-foot slope running down from the Pavilion End to the Nursery End creates so much difficulty for players at this iconic venue.
Where is this slope located at Lord’s?
The ground’s infamous slope runs diagonally down from the Pavilion End, from deep extra cover to long leg.
Why does the slope create problems?
At first glance, the Lord’s slope might not appear significant, but it has a notable impact. When batting from the Pavilion End, right-handers often face more movement away due to the slope, while deliveries from the Nursery End tend to jag back in sharply. Bowlers encounter similar challenges, but for batters, making a few subtle adjustments can go a long way in handling these unique conditions.Experienced batters often modify their stance slightly depending on the end they’re facing to better handle the contrasting movement. The slope does present scoring opportunities, but maintaining a compact, disciplined technique is key to building longer, more effective innings. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak believes handling the slope largely comes down to mindset, as many players treat it as just another form of natural variation.
What did the Indian batting coach say?
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak told reporters: “It depends on the mindset. I have seen some players saying that they don’t understand the slope. And some players feel that there are natural variations. Obviously, because of the slope, there will be some variations. But after hitting the seam, there are some variations. So, we cannot keep it in mind. But again, we talk about adapting to the conditions that come into play.“
Poll
Do you think the slope at Lord’s affects the outcome of matches?
Why is it a nightmare for the keepers?
The slope at Lord’s amplifies the ball’s movement, often unsettling wicketkeepers’ balance. To adjust, keepers typically take an additional step to their right when standing at the Nursery End, and a step to their left when positioned at the Pavilion End. This subtle shift helps them stay aligned and better react to the slope-induced deviation.
