With the much-anticipated five-match Test series between India and England set to begin at Headingley on Friday, attention has turned to the pitch preparation, being meticulously overseen by Leeds’ chief curator, Richard Robinson.

Determined to produce a surface that can last the full five days, Robinson is weighing multiple factors, including the unseasonably dry summer and a looming heatwave, to avoid a premature finish to what promises to be a high-octane encounter.

With both teams finalising their preparations, Robinson and his grounds crew were spotted fine-tuning the pitch, a verdant strip that still retained some moisture, just four days ahead of the opening Test. The curator admitted to keeping several options open to align with what the England team may request closer to match day.