📍 THE WEEK’S RADAR

• Smith's 10K: Defying convention, rewriting records.

• Golf swing secrets behind Sharma's 135 off 54

• England's all-pace plan: Smart move or missing the point?

• Small grip changes, bigger batting impact

• IPL sixes double since 2008: Crowds make the difference

• Finding the right mix of fire and focus

• 30-10-Now: Quick mental prep for match intensity

FROM THE ANALYSIS BOX

Every Ball, His Way: THE ROAD TO 10K

Defying cricket's textbook stands Steve Smith's ascent to 10,000 Test runs - faster than Border and Waugh - as the game's most compelling rebellion. From Justin Langer's early dismissal, "Steve Smith can't bat, we're wasting your time," to Usman Khawaja's revelation: "His ability to decipher a good ball from a bad ball... he picks the right ball more times than the rest of us," Smith proved that batting brilliance comes from turning thousands of net sessions into an instinct for which ball to play when, and having the courage to trust that judgment even when it defies convention.

Tee to Cricket: The Abhishek Sharma Way

After his explosive 135 off 54 balls against England, Abhishek Sharma's batting technique offers a window into modern hitting. His batting centres on loaded wrists at setup, enabling controlled power generation through a distinct downswing arc, refined through golf training with Brian Lara and Yuvraj Singh. The bat speed peaks just before impact - mirroring golf's impact dynamics - as witnessed in his six-hitting display, where timing, not muscle, created the power. His fluid hitting mechanics prove the value of cross-sport fundamentals in modern batting.

Revelation or Restraint? The Price of Pure Pace

England's pace-heavy strategy, whilst distinctive, raises concerns about its T20 viability. McCullum's vision of all-out pace, while refreshingly decisive, has exposed inherent vulnerabilities - even precisely executed short-ball barrages from Wood and Archer have proven costly in a format where batters can innovate their way out of pressure. The deliberate marginalisation of spin, whilst spinners increasingly dictate T20 passages of play, particularly in Asian conditions, raises questions. This all-pace template teeters between revelation and restriction as the game evolves.

COACH’S CORNER

GRIP, TAP, IMPACT

Watch this video from Rajasthan Royals Academy UK where the coach shares insights on batting technique. The framework focuses on a subtle wrist adjustment during bat tap, combined with maintaining an open bat face and consistent swing plane. These adjustments aim to enhance control and power transfer through impact. The principles align with elements we've observed in Abhishek Sharma, though execution styles vary.

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THE SCIENCE OF SKILL

Beyond the Y-axis | IPL’s Exponential Six Trajectory

IPL's six-hitting totals doubled from 600 in 2008 to 1,200 in 2024. Research shows spectator presence elevates adrenaline levels, boosting power output by 8-12%. Restricted conditions during 2018-2021 led to an 18% decline through limited crowds, disrupted training, and a more measured T20 approach. Since 2022, six-hitting resurgence has mirrored team scores rising from 150 to 190. This fusion of biomechanics and stadium atmosphere suggests 2025 may need an extended y-axis.

BETWEEN THE EARS

Measured Power → The Champions Code

In elite sports, tactical and mental aggression operate distinctly yet interconnectedly. Athletes can execute conservative tactics with aggressive mindsets – like a golfer's controlled iron shot delivered with power, or a defensive football formation played assertively. Success demands coaches cultivate approach-oriented behaviours while maintaining tactical composure. This balance channels competitive intensity while fostering confident performance under pressure.

Job Board

JOB OF THE WEEK 🏏

Operations Director, Warwickshire County Cricket Club

We are excited to invite applications for the position of Operations Director to lead the operational delivery at Edgbaston Stadium and across our other permanent and temporary venues..

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HOUSE OF COACHES

The 30-10-Now Drill

The 30-10-Now is a three-stage mental preparation drill. Guide players through 30 seconds of deep visualisation - batsmen seeing their trigger movements and contact points, bowlers feeling their rhythm and release. Progress to 10-second quick mental rehearsals with background noise. Finally, move to immediate action under match intensity, encouraging players to maintain their specific skill focus throughout each stage.

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