England lost in three days at Edgbaston last summer

But Rouse has to take special precautions during Warwickshire's last two home games prior to a Test.

"We put a black germination sheet over the wicket, which isn't ideal, particularly when it's sunny.

"The sheet doesn't stop players from diving - and you wouldn't expect them to - but it does make them aware of the pitch during the general course of a match," he explained.

"I try to place it some distance from the Test strip, and in a position where both cover and mid-wicket fielders won't be repeatedly diving on the sheet and scarring the pitch."

Once Warwickshire's last game is finished, Rouse and his team really get to work.

"The sprinklers go on overnight and we aim to soften the ground to a depth of six or seven inches, but we use long-range weather forecasts to help determine how much we subsequently water the pitch.

"What I'm looking for is a surface with a good covering of grass, white, with bit of pace and carry but not too quick."

We roll it every day but take care to avoid it cracking or drying

Steve Rouse

Alex Tudor was England's match-winner in 1999

For the Test match, Rouse's normal staff of six rises to around 20, the extra hands principally used for getting the pitch covers on and off quickly.

"It makes a real difference, especially since we've given up on the 'Brumbrella' cover following numerous technical problems."

Rouse will also benefit from two 'Whales', provided by the England and Wales Cricket Board.

"They're really valuable for soaking up water on the outfield, but are too heavy for the square, where we'll use our own Waterhogs.

"It's not always appreciated that our work involves much more than simply preparing the wicket, square and outfield.

"The teams need to train so we must attend to the nets and other practice facilities and, with both teams permitted to use the pitch for practice, then our ability to prepare it is restricted."