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Leeds Weather Comes Into Play As Mysterious Pitch Awaits India In Headingley Test

Debashis Sarangi

Headingley, Leeds [Source: @englandcricket/X]Headingley, Leeds [Source: @englandcricket/X]

Team India might experience abrasive playing conditions in the first Test against England, with an intense heatwave prevailing in Leeds. Led by Shubman Gill, India are currently preparing for the high-voltage five-match series against the Englishmen beginning at Headingley on June 20. 

Dry Surface Likely As Pitch Preparations Begin At Headingley

The iconic Headingley in Leeds generally doesn't host the first Test of a series during the English summer. However, this time, the venue will conduct the inaugural game of India's five-match series against England, with the visiting side taking on the hosts in what's supposed to be a riveting contest. 

Meanwhile, the hot and humid weather in Leeds is expected to play a key role in determining the playing conditions. As reported by ESPNCricinfo, Richard Robinson, Yorkshire's head of grounds, has considered carrying out the pitch preparations in a manner that seems different from the traditional one. 

The report states that the curator focuses on leaving 8mm grass on the wicket so that it retains moisture for a comparatively longer period of time. It hasn't rained in Leeds since February and the hot breeze could dry the pitch rather quickly. In such a scenario, the curator has emphasised watering the wicket properly ahead of the first India-England Test of the summer. 

However, as he clarifies, the grass is meant to prevent the track from deteriorating under the influence of the Headingley sun. 

Thus, the pitch could contain maximum moisture on day 1, with the fast bowlers likely to exploit the seam-friendly conditions in the first few sessions. However, with the sun beating down, the track could flatten out and assist the batters as the game progresses. 

Although teams generally prefer to bat first in a Test, the potential playing conditions in Leeds might prompt the toss-winning side to decide otherwise. 

The results have also favoured the chasing sides more than the teams batting first at the venue in Tests of late. Statistically, teams batting second have won all six Tests at Headingley since 2017. 

Also, with a dry surface expected, it will be interesting to see India's playing combination, with several critical questions yet to be answered.