The Insider

Why and when players feel under the cosh, what it does to them, and how to deal with it

The final nets are over, there are about 18 hours to the start of the Test. How do cricketers spend that time?

What teams at the top level do in terms of preparation just before series and matches

What do cricketers do when they're not playing? Work on correcting errors that have crept into their techniques and limber up for the season ahead

Right posture? Quick reflexes? Decent tolerance for pain? You were born to field at forward short-leg and silly point

Concentration is about living in the moment - which unfortunately isn't as easy as it sounds

Not too many batsmen may like squaring up to a bouncer, but most will take it over a well-pitched outswinger