Dr Iain James, from Cranfield University, will add fuel to the fire over the myth concerning the pre-season rolling of cricket squares and the effects of aeration at the next Leeds and West Yorkshire branch meeting of the Institute of Groundsmanship at Cleckheaton Sports Club on Wednesday (7.30pm).

The theme for the evening will be ‘guidelines for rolling and aeration’ and Dr James will expand on research done at Cranfield.

Eric Smith, from Swillington Rollers – the Fred Dibnah of rollers – will also be there to advise on how to maintain a roller in peak condition.

Finishing the evening off will be former X Factor finalist Sheldon Bonner, who has been head groundsman at the Grammar School at Leeds.

He will sing a few songs and, providing he has recovered sufficiently from his knee surgery, tell a few gags. As usual, there will be a free supper.