For the forthcoming ICC T20 World Cup scheduled to start in America on June 2nd, England, the title holders have recruited David Young who works at Premier League winners Manchester City as a psychologist.
England’s T20 squad welcomes back Young who assisted them gain victory during their triumphant 2019 world cup campaign after a disappointing showing for England in the previous ODI World Cup held in India.
Manchester City’s successful tenure including four consecutive English premier league titles puts him in good stead with some of his experiences would be useful within the English squad.
Young is only back with the group for this series and the beginning of the World Cup having previously been part of the England Cricket team from 2016 to 2020 as they prepare for T20 competition and he is an active support staff member during T20I Pakistan series.
Matthew Mott said that “he has been before, he has been great link between me and messages sent to players making sure I’m clear”.
“It’s always good to have someone who’s a little bit removed from your camp just to make sure you’re landing your messages … He gets other jobs at times but we’ve got him for this one, and for us into part of World Cup as well.”
After England was eliminated early in last year’s 50-over World Cup group stage, they reflected on team dynamics. Coach Mott stressed that vulnerability was necessary and that they needed a more open supportive environment. He also acknowledged that insularity by his side may have cost them dearly during their campaign in India
As Mott put it, “When you’ve had the kick up the bum like we had you can’t just go ‘business as usual’ it. You’ve got to redefine how you are going together as a group.”
“We made a decision as a group around being more open around our training sessions and helping each other out a little bit more.
“In India we were all guilty of being a bit insular and trying to problem-solve ourselves. We’ve committed to opening up a bit more and being a little bit more vulnerable as a group so we can help each other out.”
England will be in action on 4th June, when they kick start their World Cup campaign against Scotland at Bridgetown in Barbados.
