📍 THE WEEK’S RADAR

• Footwork First: Quick feet unlock scoring options vs spin — Coach Lahiri’s Royals sessions highlight the footwork–mind connection.

• Leg-Spin Refinement: Small load adjustments deliver big gains — better arm alignment = more flight, turn, and consistency.

• Train the Mind: Steve Smith’s mental-first approach shows the value of clarity and rhythm over endless physical reps.

• Mike Hussey on Anxiety: Sometimes pausing beats pushing harder — resilience is built through perspective, not just work ethic.

• England Squad Talking Points: Bethell dilemma, Overton’s return, Woakes’ glue role — team selection offers key coaching lessons.

COACH’S CORNER

Quick Feet, Sharp Mind

Coach Lahiri's session with the Barbados Royals spotlights the vital link between footwork and mental preparation against spin. When you're swift in getting back or forward, you're not just buying yourself time against quality spin - you're opening up the entire crease for scoring opportunities. That's precisely what Lahiri's driving at with the Royals' unit.

FROM THE ANALYSIS BOX

Helping a Leg-Spinner Refine His Bowling Arm Load

“I’ve been working with a promising leg spin bowler on improving the loading phase of his bowling arm.”

In the two images below, you can clearly see the progress — the latest image shows a much more efficient and aligned load. This adjustment is already making it easier for him to transfer his weight forward and release the ball from a taller position, which is key for consistency, flight, and turn.

Small changes, big results. Press the video below to see more.

THE SCIENCE OF SKILL

Steve Smith’s New Mental Game 🧠🏏

Steve Smith is reshaping how we think about preparation — not through technique alone, but through mental mastery. Once known for marathon net sessions, Smith now trains less physically and more mentally, aiming to be in the best mental space at the crease.

His shift reflects a deeper coaching truth: at elite levels, more physical reps can bring diminishing returns. What matters is mental clarity, rhythm, and trust. Smith visualises innings, preserves mental energy, and enters matches aligned — not exhausted.

The lesson for coaches? Train the mind, not just the body. Encourage players to balance physical work with mental rest, trust preparation, and cultivate flow. Mastery isn’t just about doing more — it’s about doing enough of the right things, then letting the game come.

BETWEEN THE EARS

IN OTHER NEWS

England’s India Test Squad: Six Talking Points 🏏

🔍 Bethell-Crawley-Pope Dilemma: Who slots in? England face a big call at the top of the order — a choice that could shape the tone for the series.

🔥 Jamie Overton’s Return: Fast, fit, and ready — Overton’s resurgence shows the value of resilience and adaptability in multi-format cricket.

💔 Potts Misses Out: Matthew Potts’ omission highlights how subtle shifts in team strategy and player profiles (extra pace, swing, etc.) can edge consistent performers out — a coaching reminder that selection is about fit, not just form.

🔄 Sam Cook’s Second Chance: Cook retains faith despite a modest debut — proof that control and consistency still have a role even in Bazball’s aggressive template.

🛡 Woakes - The Quiet Glue: Chris Woakes offers balance and experience — underlining the long-term value of versatility and mental durability for team culture.

⚠ Atkinson Injury: Gus Atkinson’s hamstring setback shows how quickly plans can unravel — a timely lesson for coaches in depth-building and readiness.

Job Board

JOBS OF THE WEEK 🏏

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