Nobody likes criticism. We are wired to treat negative feedback as a threat. We get defensive and often dont listen to the answer, even if the critique is correct and useful.

So, how do you better take criticism and use it to move forward?

Ask questions.

Remember most criticism is not out to show you as a bad person, or even a bad cricketer. A weakness does not define you totally, it's part of the complex make up of being human. When you tell yourself this after criticism, you can seperate your ego from the comments and try to clarify with questions.

So if someone says you got out to a stupid shot, show curious interest. Ask, "I see your point. What do you think I should do next time in the same situation?"

You might get a useless reply, but you are far more likely to get a tip that helps you. I'm sure the critic has experienced playing a stupid shot too, and found a way to deal with it..

As long s you remember that mistakes are not bad, they are stepping stones to getting better, ten you will see criticism as genuine useful feedback you can use.

So, next time you are criticised, fight back the negative urge, and take full advantage of the chance to get better.