📍 THE WEEK’S RADAR

• England's ODI Crisis: When power isn't enough

• WATCH: Sangakkara masterclass on conquering the short ball Down Under

• DIY Coaching: The concrete slab drill transforming short-ball practice

• Science reveals: No perfect bowling action

• Featured: T20 Women's World Cup marketing role

FROM THE ANALYSIS BOX

Smart or Strong: Cricket's Missing Middle

England's ODI nightmare - 13 losses in 20 matches - exposes root problems. When Mousley admitted match-day confusion to Curran, it wasn't just inexperience talking. The issue? A generation missing the art of adaptation.

England's 2018-20 power-hitting lineup of Buttler, Roy, and Bairstow stemmed from necessity - a thin bowling attack meant runs were their only defense. It worked, brilliantly, until it didn't.

Now, look at Kohli and Williamson - virtuosos who build innings through calculated rotation before unleashing. They're cricket's ultimate team players whose approach, as economists note, might cap the ceiling but crucially raises the floor, preventing collapses while enabling others to attack freely.

The path forward? Beyond boundaries. Coaches must instill strike rotation fundamentals in formative years, before power-hitting takes precedence. Creating match pressure scenarios and teaching innings construction early shapes complete cricketers. Cricket's future possibly lies in finding this balance.

Bounce. Attack. Dominate

The cricket caravan moves to Australia, where Pakistan's historic ODI triumph sets the stage for the BGT. On these quick, bouncy tracks, where every delivery tests technique, the margin for error shrinks drastically.

In this must-watch clip, Sangakkara explains batting Down Under. His insights - widening the stance, keeping forward momentum, and training to face the short ball head-on rather than turning away - give coaches the blueprint for Australian success.

COACH’S KIT BAG

The Concrete Solution to Short-Ball Success

Need better short-ball practice? Position a concrete slab at length, use plastic or dampened tennis balls targeting shoulder height. The slab's smooth surface generates consistent pace and bounce - ideal for overcoming short-ball hesitation and developing quick hands. An ingeniously simple, cost-effective solution. See how!

THE SCIENCE OF SKILL

Swing Science: No Perfect Action?

Research in the Journal of Sports Sciences analyses elite fast bowlers' biomechanics. Studying pelvis-to-hand movements, researchers found bowlers maintain stable core positions but vary arm mechanics - this variance helps stabilise seam position for swing. The study, across Cricket Australia and six universities, proves successful bowlers adapt techniques individually rather than follow rigid patterns.

Lever Laws: Why Some Sixes Go Further

Biomechanical research reveals key principles behind power hitting. Studies show how lever length directly affects force - longer levers generate higher velocity at impact. In cricket, particularly for six hitting, grip position and arm extension maximise bat speed. The science goes deeper - from ground forces through the legs to power transfer from hips to wrists, creating explosive energy. These principles underpin power-hitting excellence.

BETWEEN THE EARS

Intensity: Art of the Simmer

Intensity fascinates in sport - coaches want players to 'up the intensity', while players search for ways to maintain it. Like a skilled driver, you can steer and control it - your body is the wheel.

The formula? Stand tall, own your body language, stay in motion, keep engaged, and never stop communicating. Think of intensity as a kettle - keep it on the boil, but never let it overflow out of control.

Job Board

JOB OF THE WEEK 🏏

Senior Brand & Marketing Manager - T20 Women's World Cup (2 year FTC)

Joining the team behind the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 is a chance to be part of a landmark moment in sporting history. This is your opportunity to collaborate with passionate individuals, deliver an exceptional sporting experience for players and fans, and leave a lasting impact on the future of women’s cricket..

🔗View Complete Job Board 🔗

HOUSE OF COACHES

Team Psychology: Beyond the Huddle

Building team psychology isn't about pep talks alone. Seven psychological approaches shape competitive teams: retrieval practice through tactical checks strengthens understanding, shared mental models emerge through team discussions, and pre-mortems sharpen game decisions. Set task-oriented goals while promoting approach behaviours over hesitation. Use pictorial metaphors for complex plans, maintain attention-control during play, and use post-mortem feedback loops to track performance and mindset. Each element builds competitive edge, piece by piece.

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