This is the first time such an operation has been mounted at a cricket match in this country and reflects the concern of the Leeds ground authorities to eliminate rowdyism in the sport.
Inspector David Boyle of the West Yorkshire Constabulary, who will be commander of the policing operation for the game, said: ``There is increasing evidence of people attending cricket matches to extend the football xenophobia rather than through any interest in cricket.
``We have seen this in the shape of the wearing of football strips, banners and organised chanting that has more to do with soccer than cricket.''
Plain-clothes police 'spotters' who are used at football grounds will mingle with the crowds, particularly on Headingley's notorious Western Terrace, to identify trouble-makers.
Video-cameras and photographs will be used to provide evidence of identificiation at a later date if trouble breaks out, supported by an extensive network of closed-circuit cameras.
Inspector Boyle stressed that no particular outbreak of hooliganism was expected during the game. The escalation of security was more a reflection of increasing public-order problems at major sporting events.
The 6,000 ticket-holders on the Western Terrace will not be allowed to bring in alcohol. Elsewhere the limit will be four cans of beer or one bottle of wine and although drink will be available at the public bars, these will be closed in the event of trouble.
Chris Hassell, Yorkshire's chief executive, reported a continued brisk demand for tickets. ``Some seats are still available for every day of the Test, and we are still employing extra staff to meet the demand.''
Hassell calculated that in the week since England's Trent Bridge win, an extra 15,000 tickets had been sold. ``Before that day, advance takings were very poor - about 35,000 for the whole game.
``That win was just what we needed. When you consider all the possible reasons for poor attendances, the single biggest factor has undoubtedly been lack of enthusiasm among the public for an unsuccessful England side.''
Although the England players were officially given a day off from practice yesterday, five turned up for a brief net. Michael Atherton was first, followed by Nasser Hussain, Andrew Flintoff, captain Alec Stewart and Mark Ramprakash.
Ramprakash is still suffering from the after-effects of tonsilitis and David Graveney, the chairman of selectors, confirmed that Nick Knight, John Crawley and Robin Smith were all on standby if he failed a fitness test on the eve of the game.
Ramprakash said: ``I am happy with the way things are progressing and feel I shall be fit. But the illness leaves me tired and lethargic.
Allan Donald is still waiting to see if his criticism of umpire Mervyn Kitchen's decisions during the Trent Bridge Test will land him in trouble. He is now under orders from his management not to make any comments.
South Africa's captain, Hansie Cronje, said he did not expect any severe consequences if the match referee, Ahmed Ebrahim, decided to pursue the matter. ``Mark Ramprakash did not get suspended when he got into trouble during the Lord's Test so there is no way Donald will be suspended.''
Ali Bacher, managing director of the United Cricket Board, conceded that Donald's remarks almost certainly breached the International Cricket Council's code of conduct. But he pointed out that the player was only reacting to Kitchen's own admission that he had had a poor game and was thinking of retiring.
Graveney commented: ``It is very sad if what Merv Kitchen has said is correct.''
Emirates Airlines are to sponsor the one-day triangular tournament between England, South Africa and Sri Lanka this month. Emirates, who are expected to be a major backer for next year's World Cup, are putting up £15,000 prize money for the winners.