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England's cricket team is getting a mental boost for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, to be played in the West Indies and USA from June 2. They've brought back psychologist David Young, who previously worked with the team from 2016 to 2020. Head coach Matthew Mott believes Young's expertise will be invaluable in helping players manage the pressure and emotions that come with a major tournament like the World Cup.
‘Young’ boost for England ahead of T20 World Cup
Young isn't new to high-performing teams. He's been working with Manchester City during their recent dominant run, where they secured four consecutive Premier League titles. While he'll be with England for a short stint as a consultant, his experience will be a major asset. Interestingly, England's white-ball captain, Jos Buttler, played a key role in Young's return. Young joined the squad before their opening T20I against Pakistan. He'll need to briefly step away to support Manchester City in their FA Cup final against Manchester United, but will rejoin the England team after that.
England's head coach, Matthew Mott, specifically requested David Young's return due to his past experience with the team (2016-2020). Mott believes Young's familiarity with the players and their dynamics will be crucial. He also emphasizes the potential benefit of having a psychologist who is slightly removed from the daily grind of the team. This "outside perspective" could allow Young to deliver more objective and impactful messages to the players.
"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. It's always good to have someone who's a little bit removed from the squad to make sure you're landing your messages… He's still doing other roles but we've got him for this series, and the start of the World Cup as well," Mott said, as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo.
England have a point to prove after ODI World Cup 2023 horror show
England heads into the T20 World Cup with a point to prove. Still stinging from their disappointing group stage exit at the 2023 World Cup, Captain Jos Buttler and his team are determined to perform at their best. Their 2023 showing saw them win only three out of nine matches, with two consolation victories coming after elimination.
Mott backs aggressive approach
Despite the recent struggles, England's head coach, Matthew Mott, remains confident. He sees the T20 format as one that favors a more aggressive approach compared to the longer ODI format. This belief, coupled with England's status as defending champions, suggests Mott is optimistic about their chances of retaining the title.
"We feel like it's time to get the mojo back and go out and really express ourselves as a team. I think T20, as opposed to ODI, is so much clearer in the way the players can approach it," Mott added.
"We've seen in the IPL, you have to go out and really take the game on from the start. Most teams are going to go that way, so it's going to be an exciting World Cup," he further stated.
England's T20 World Cup squad
Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonathan Bairstow, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Reece Topley, Mark Wood
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