📍 THE WEEK’S RADAR

• Stuart Barnes on pressure — slow the moment, sharpen the basics

• Who should open England batting in the upcoming Tests?

• Fast bowling goes adaptive — drop-offs dictate the drill plan

• Neuro Batting’s triangle clicks — coach, player, parent in sync

• KP, Nasser & Shastri serve a spin-batting masterclass

• Robo toes return — yorker practice just got smarter

• Paddy Upton flips reflection — learn from wins, not just losses

• And a 14-year-old smashes his first IPL ball for six — welcome, Vaibhav Suryavanshi!

FROM THE ANALYSIS BOX

Stuart Barnes via LinkedIn: How Do You Control the Pace of the Game — Without Rushing?

In elite sport, there’s a common trap that teams can fall into when they fall behind: They panic. They chase the game. They rush. But here’s the truth I’ve learned after 25 years in professional cricket:

The world can speed up when pressure increases. Great performers have an ability slow it down. It’s not about trying harder. It’s about thinking clearer. It’s not about doing more. It’s about doing what matters... better.

When teams fall behind the tide of the game; pressure can show itself everywhere. There can often be a temptation to bowl faster, set fields and to chase wickets. But the real answer is often this: Stick to your best ball. Be calm although not casual. Sharpen the basics don’t complicate them. Lift intensity without losing control. And that made me think… How often can people in business, in leadership, in day-to-day life fall into the same trap?

The project is behind. The numbers aren’t good. The inbox is overwhelming. So we rush and can make poor decisions. We add noise instead of creating clarity. But what if the answer was to slow the moment down? To assess and reconnect with our fundamentals. Talk clearly. Act simply. Execute consistently.

In pressure moments, whether on the field, in the boardroom, or in life, control isn’t necessarily all about speed and quickness. It’s often about clarity. Not chasing the game. Allow your best habits to do the work needed. If this resonates, or you’ve had to learn this the hard way like I have, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Zak Crawley? Tom Haines? Rehan Ahmed? Who should open batting for England in Tests alongside Ben Duckett? Cast Your Vote Below!

England prepare for a busy red-ball season, including a one-off Test against Zimbabwe and a five-match series against India. Ben Duckett has solidified his position with consistent performances, averaging over 40 since 2022. However, the spot alongside him remains contested.​

Zak Crawley is the incumbent but has faced challenges, averaging 15.14 over his last 14 Test innings. Despite this, his past successes, such as a 189 against Australia in the 2023 Ashes, keep him in contention.​

Tom Haines has emerged as a strong candidate, leading the County Championship Division One in runs, including a recent 174 against Surrey. His form suggests readiness for the international stage.​

Rehan Ahmed, primarily known for his leg-spin, has impressed with the bat, scoring a century for Leicestershire. While not a traditional opener, his versatility offers a dynamic option.​

England's selectors face a decision: stick with Crawley's experience or inject fresh talent like Haines or Ahmed to partner Duckett at the top. Let us know your thoughts below!

THE SCIENCE OF SKILL

🎯 The Adaptable Fast Bowling Microcycle

Forget rigid plans — PaceLab’s microcycle adapts daily based on bowler readiness. You don’t skip sessions — you adjust them.

Step 1: Test readiness (velocity, arm speed, torque)

Step 2: Let drop-off % guide intensity:

• 0–3%: Go hard – high intent, overload drills

• 3–5%: Tweak – reduce volume, focus on accuracy

• 5–8%: Shift – scenario work, reactive drills

• 8%+: Deload – tempo, tech, mat drills

Protect the CNS. Build skill. Train smart every session.

🎯 The Triangle Behind Neuro Batting: Coach, Player, Parent

Great batting isn’t built in isolation. The Neuro Batting Program brings coaches, players, and parents into a connected triangle — one that turns pressure into progress.

Coaches aren’t just running drills — they’re creating learning environments, layering in cognitive and visual skills, and helping players think for themselves. Players aren’t just swinging the bat — they’re problem-solvers, learning how to adapt, regulate, and reflect. And parents? They’re not on the sidelines — they’re emotional architects, offering support with purpose, not pressure.

When the triangle clicks, you get shared language, aligned expectations, and consistent growth. That’s when confidence sticks and performance takes off.

COACH’S CORNER

Kevin Pietersen MASTERCLASS: Batting Against Spin (ft. Ravi Shastri) 🏏

Throwback to 2022, where Kevin Pietersen teams up with Nasser Hussain and Ravi Shastri for a 20-minute batting masterclass on playing spin. Footwork, mindset, and shot selection — all broken down by three legends. A must-watch for any young batter looking to level up.

🎯Robo Toe Crushers

In case you missed it - as we’ve seen so far this season in the IPL, yorkers have proven crucial. Bowlers typically practice using stationary targets, but modern batters disrupt lines and lengths through movement. A couple of seasons ago, the Rajasthan Royals introduced the Target Robot—a remote-controlled shoe simulating batter movement—enabling bowlers to adapt to moving targets and improve yorker execution under pressure.

BETWEEN THE EARS

OTHER NEWS

Welcome to the IPL, Vaibhav Suryavanshi!

Vaibhav Suryavanshi made history in the Indian Premier League by becoming the youngest player to make his debut at just 14 years old, smashing his first ball over the covers for six.

Job Board

JOBS OF THE WEEK 🏏

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