It was, of course, inevitable that Test cricket's return to this parched England summer would bring with it the welcoming relief of rain. Seeking an end to a long dry spell? Well, scheduling a first men's international red-ball fixture for seven sun-soaked weeks has done the trick with an altogether spottier forecast for Headingley.
That drought has taken with it a coach and a captain, the dead-heading that felt inevitable after a barren winter postponed from spring to summer to bring about a regime change of curious timing. Already, one might suggest, a series has been squandered; the risk now for England is not letting another slip as they look to germinate and bed in a crop that it is hoped can be made to flourish with a little more careful nurturing.
A new-look England taken on Pakistan in the first Test at Headingley (PA)
Back to tend the garden in his own backyard is one of Yorkshire's own – though that would have been true had England landed on the other side of a choice of flawed options. It could be said, though, that Joe Root's perennial status as his side's man for a crisis has counted in his favour as he is tossed an unenviable duty once more. Having got the nod ahead of Harry Brook, Root has spoken well in his limited media dealings since being reappointed Test captain of learning from the mistakes and missteps of his first stint – both those of his own and from figures above him, who saddled their skipper with duties that reached beyond the remit of an already-challenging role during the Covid pandemic particularly.
Joe Root has been reinstalled as England Test captain ahead of Harry Brook (Getty)

#already