📍 THIS WEEK’S RADAR

• 🔥 England ring the changes as Stokes and Archer ruled out at The Oval.

• 🏏 Trigger movements decoded — find what works, not what looks good.

• ⚡ Archer hits 90mph on Test return — a lesson in resilience and long-term care.

• 🧤 Bayliss' classic fielding drill resurfaces — is it still match-ready in 2025?

• 🧠 Pressure = nerves or excitement? Help players reframe the rush.

• 💼 This week’s trending jobs.

🔥WHAT’S HOT THIS WEEK

England Ring the Changes for Oval Test as Stokes Ruled Out

With the series on the line, England have named a reshuffled XI for the final Test at The Oval, making four changes after Ben Stokes was ruled out due to a shoulder injury. Also rested are Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse, while Liam Dawson misses out.

In come Jacob Bethell — batting at No.6 and offering spin cover — plus quicks Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, and Josh Tongue. With Ollie Pope captaining, and Chris Woakes leading a fresh pace attack, England are banking on youth, versatility, and squad depth to get the job done.

A 5-day test series takes it’s toll on the body… It’s not just about ability, it’s about roles, recovery, and readiness when it matters. A bold call in a decider — and a big chance for England’s new-gen to step up.

England XI:

Crawley, Duckett, Pope (c), Root, Brook, Bethell, Smith (wk), Woakes, Atkinson, Overton, Tongue

🏏BATTING LAB

How To Find Your Perfect Trigger Movement

Trigger movements are one of the most misunderstood parts of batting — especially at club level. In this episode, Cricket Matters unpack why many players are focusing on the wrong cues, where the real value lies, and how pros use movement with purpose.

🎯BOWLING LAB

Jofra Archer’s Thunderous Test Return⚡

After five years away from red-ball cricket, Jofra Archer has stormed back into the Test arena — and done it in style. Despite a long injury layoff and multiple surgeries, Archer clocked two of the fastest spells of his Test career during this series, reaching spells as high as 90mph.

His control, bounce, and raw pace have reminded everyone of the threat he posed in the 2019 Ashes — but this comeback is even more remarkable given the physical and mental challenges he’s overcome. For England, Archer’s return isn’t just a boost for the current series — it signals that their most potent pace weapon is back, and firing.

For coaches and young players alike, there’s a lesson here: development isn’t linear, and greatness often comes down to how well you handle setbacks. Archer’s comeback is a masterclass in resilience, showing that intelligent rehab, patience, and mental toughness can restore world-class performance. Coaches should note the importance of long-term player care, while young athletes can take inspiration from how setbacks don’t define you — your response does.

🧤FIELDING LAB

One From The Archives - Bayliss’ Favourite Fielding Drill

Throwing it back 9 years to when Trevor Bayliss ran England through one of his go-to fielding drills. High tempo, high pressure, and full of intent.

But here’s the question for coaches: do you still use this drill? Has it stood the test of time? Or has the game evolved, and with it, our approach to fielding prep?

Watch the clip, steal what still works, question what doesn’t — and keep sharpening the standards. Old school or timeless? You decide.

🧠THE MIND GAME

🧠 Nerves or Excitement? Same Body. Different Story.

Ever had a player freeze before a big innings or final over? The heart races, palms sweat, focus narrows. Classic “nerves”, right?

But here’s the twist — the body’s response to anxiety and excitement is exactly the same. It’s not the feeling that changes, it’s the framing.

Tell your brain “I’m nervous”, and it scans for danger. “What if I fail?” Doubt creeps in.

Flip it: say “I’m excited”, and suddenly it’s an opportunity. “I care. I’m ready.”

🏏 This is trainable. The best players in pressure moments — they’re not calmer. They’ve just learned to reframe the rush.

💡 Coaches - help players recognise the signs, shift the narrative, and treat pressure as a privilege, it shows you care. It’s not about pretending it’s easy — it’s about mentally preparing to succeed.

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JOBS OF THE WEEK 🏏

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