Cricket

Defending T20 World Cup champions England have enlisted the services of renowned psychologist David Young for their upcoming campaign in the Americas. Young, who played a pivotal role in England's triumphant 2019 World Cup victory, has rejoined the team for the shortest format showpiece after their disappointing ODI World Cup performance in India last year.Young's impressive track record with Manchester City, where he helped the club secure four consecutive Premier League titles, has earned him a short-term appointment with the England cricket team. He previously worked with the team from 2016 to 2020 and is currently part of the support staff for the T20I series against Pakistan.England white-ball coach Matthew Mott praised Young's contributions, stating, "He's previously been with the team and he's already been a great ally in messages back to me, making sure my messages are clear." Mott emphasized the importance of having an external perspective to ensure that the team's messages are effectively communicated.Following their disappointing group stage exit at the 50-over World Cup, Mott acknowledged the need for the team to become more vulnerable and supportive of each other. "When you've had the kick in the pants like we've had, you can't just go 'business as usual'," Mott said. "You have to redefine how you go as a team."The team has made a conscious effort to foster a more open and supportive environment, recognizing that their previous insular approach contributed to their struggles in India. "We've made a commitment to be a bit more open in and around our training sessions, to help each other out a bit more," Mott explained. "In India, all of us were guilty of being a bit insular, and trying to problem-solve ourselves. We've made a commitment to open up and be a bit more vulnerable as a group so that we're helping each other."England will kick off their T20 World Cup campaign against Scotland on June 4 in Bridgetown, Barbados. With Young's expertise and the team's renewed commitment to vulnerability and support, they will aim to defend their title and reclaim their status as the world's leading T20 side.

England's T20 World Cup preparations have taken a psychological turn as they seek to rediscover their winning ways. Head coach Matthew Mott has enlisted the services of Manchester City's psychologist, David Young, to help the team become more emotionally resilient under pressure.Young, who previously worked with England from 2016 to 2020, has been brought back as a consultant ahead of the World Cup in the Caribbean. His appointment was influenced by Jos Buttler, who credits Young for his performance in the 2019 World Cup final.Mott believes it is time for England to "get the mojo back" after a disappointing 50-over World Cup last year. He has encouraged the team to be more open and vulnerable with each other, recognizing that they were too insular in India."We've made a commitment to be a bit more open in and around our training sessions, to help each other out a bit more," Mott said. "In India, all of us were guilty of being a bit insular, and trying to problem-solve ourselves."Mott has been impressed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru's resurgence in the IPL, suggesting that England could learn from their aggressive approach. He also acknowledged the criticism from former captain Eoin Morgan, but emphasized that only those within the dressing room can fully understand the team's dynamics.Buttler has indicated that he needs to provide more clarity to certain players, and Mott believes the squad will drive this change. "My style of coaching has always been more of a cooperative approach - keep asking questions on what does their game look like at its best, and if they're veering away from that, to drag them back on track," Mott said.England will confirm their World Cup squad before Saturday's second T20I against Pakistan. Despite niggles for Liam Livingstone and Mark Wood, Mott expects them to be available for selection later in the series. Jofra Archer's return has been delayed by rain, but he is likely to play in at least two of the remaining three T20Is.