The Cerebral Cricketer

The Cerebral Cricketer Podcast is a deep dive into the psychological side of cricket. Through exclusive interviews with cricketers, coaches, and experts, we explore the mindset, thought processes, and mental resilience behind success. This podcast unpacks the cerebral side of the game - one conversation at a time. Decode The Mind, Master Your Temperament!

Ep 25 - How Tasmania’s Top Order Batter Tim Ward Defied The Odds & Cracked Into Domestic Cricket 01/21/2026

Ep 25 - How Tasmania’s Top Order Batter Tim Ward Defied The Odds & Cracked Into Domestic Cricket Tasmania and Hobart Hurricanes top order batsman Tim Ward joins the show to share how he made it into domestic cricket without the “usual” pathway, including missing age group carnivals and using that setback as fuel. We unpack the NSW to Tasmania move, the rookie contract call, how to adapt your game to T20 cricket and what it took to earn his place in the setup. Plus, Tim breaks down his notebook method for building innings (first 30 balls, then layers), and a BBL story where “be brave” turned into laps, ramps, and momentum. This episode explores unseen side of making it, what it feels like when the pathway doesn’t pick you, how Tim stayed patient, kept improving, and turned the NSW to Tassie move into a real opportunity. In this ep: • Pathway setbacks, and why there are multiple roads • The decision to leave NSW, and back himself in Tassie • Simple batting checkpoints, and “bat like George Worker” • Playing brave in T20, lap and ramp under pressure Timestamp 00:00 Intro, Tasmania opener Tim Ward 00:00:25 Hurricanes finals vibe, team culture and confidence 00:05:43 White ball prep, being brave, ramps and unconventional shots 00:13:24 Decision making under pressure, using your partner at the crease 00:14:37 Growing up with cricket, early influences 00:23:08 Grade cricket grind, climbing through the levels 00:26:07 203 not out, missing the Under 19 carnival, proving a point 00:31:44 Goal setting, handling low scores, staying honest with yourself 00:39:47 First 30 balls method, “bat like George Worker” mindset 00:44:44 UK stint, adapting to different conditions 00:45:56 Journaling and match prep, building routines 00:54:09 NSW to Tasmania move, rookie contract, breaking into the setup 01:16:59 White ball flexibility, expanding and contracting your game 01:24:20 BBL chase story, dropped Warner, “be brave” and the lap shot 01:29:55 Quickfire wrap up, toughest bowlers, closing thoughts /episode/index/show/7c18799a-bb92-4c71-b258-72a5bb790c4c/id/39796720

Ep 24 - How Victoria's Blake Macdonald “Lets Go of the Outcome” | Process, Pressure & Premeditating 01/12/2026

Ep 24 - How Victoria's Blake Macdonald “Lets Go of the Outcome” | Process, Pressure & Premeditating Victoria and Melbourne Stars batter Blake Macdonald joins The Cerebral Cricketer Podcast for a deep dive into the mental side of cricket, the kind of mindset that actually holds up when the crowd is loud and the stakes feel heavy. Blake breaks down his core idea, “let go of the outcome”, why chasing runs can tighten you up, and how focusing on simple cues helps him play freer, clearer cricket. We also get into premeditated batting, especially his sweep options, how he reads spin, and why planning your scoring can be a weapon, not a weakness. In this episode, we cover: - The “let go of the outcome” mindset, and how it reduces pressure and unlocks performance - Studying psychology while chasing pro cricket, what it’s taught him about focus and confidence - Premeditated batting, sweep decisions, risk management, and committing to a plan - Handling role changes across formats, and staying adaptable without losing your identity - Big moments, big crowds, and the routines that keep him grounded If you enjoyed this one, like, subscribe, and comment! Timestamps 00:00:04 Intro + welcome 00:00:31 Stars derby, big crowds, adrenaline, pressure 00:04:31 Learning from senior pros (Stars change room) 00:07:03 Scoring options, sweep and reverse sweep, playing with intent 00:12:08 Middle order role, adapting across formats, decision making 00:17:10 BBL debut call up and prep, 37* off 12 vs Brisbane Heat 00:21:27 Training week planning, match ups, analysts, game plans 00:26:09 Dad as a coach, technical foundations, bottom hand, hockey influence 00:31:38 Modern technique debate, playing across the line, working through form dips 00:40:03 Hockey family background, where the reverse sweep came from 00:44:19 Studying psychology while chasing pro cricket, balancing work and sport 00:47:33 “Let go of the outcome”, selection pressure and playing free 00:50:03 Moving to Melbourne, switching to Victoria, backing himself 01:00:55 Global Super League, West Indies conditions, adapting your scoring 01:05:07 Premeditated batting, sweep plans, reading spin 01:12:23 Staying present at the crease, scoring for process not outcomes 01:29:13 Notebook habits, reviewing innings, building confidence 01:36:33 Role models, toughest bowlers, best teammates 01:41:21 Final thoughts + wrap up /episode/index/show/7c18799a-bb92-4c71-b258-72a5bb790c4c/id/39694765

Ep 23 - From U19 World Cup Final to IPL with Punjab Kings: Param Uppal's Secret Playbook For Success 12/28/2025

Ep 23 - From U19 World Cup Final to IPL with Punjab Kings: Param Uppal's Secret Playbook For Success From the U19 World Cup Final in Aussie colours to training with Punjab Kings in the IPL, Param Uppal opens up his secret playbook for success as a modern cricketer. In this episode of The Cerebral Cricketer, Param talks about growing up in western Sydney after moving from India, the realities of the Australian pathway system, playing a World Cup Final against India, and then walking into an IPL environment full of world class players. He also breaks down the coaching that shaped him, from Neil D Costa and Gordon Lowe to Anthony Clark, Chris Rogers, Phil Jaques, Damien Wright, Anil Kumble and Julian Wood, and how their ideas changed his batting, spin bowling and mental game. What we cover • Param's story from Chandigarh to western Sydney • Early sacrifices, club cricket and the NSW pathway • Winning runs, setbacks and lessons from U19 cricket • Playing in the U19 World Cup Final against India • The moment he realised he could compete at the next level • How Neil D Costa sharpened his technique and mindset • What he learned from Chris Rogers and Phil Jaques in Aussie setups • Behind the scenes stories from Punjab Kings IPL nets • Conversations with Anil Kumble about spin and pressure • Power hitting sessions with Julian Wood and modern batting trends • How he rebuilt his game in premier cricket and as a coach • Param's advice for young batters and spin bowling allrounders Timestamps 0:00 Intro and who is Param Uppal 0:25 Growing up in India and western Sydney 3:32 Dad’s influence and early coaching 3:41 Working with Neil D'Costa and simplifying technique 7:18 Bowling to Shane Watson and Andre Russell at 17 7:56 Thunder academy and learning from pros in the nets 14:22 Bowling to Jonny Bairstow and T20 spin tactics 20:48 Spotting future stars like Gilkes, Hardy and Green 22:21 Under 17 and Under 19 championships and early pressure 29:16 Handling expectations and trusting process as a young gun 35:56 Batting game plans and surviving tough spells 43:44 Jumping into NSW grade cricket and men’s cricket 50:09 National Performance Squad with Marnus and the boot camp 56:00 U19 World Cup journey and handling the final v India 58:38 Shield and List A debuts and stepping into pro cricket 1:02:29 CA XI games v India and Pakistan and watching Kohli up close 1:06:32 First grade hundreds in Tassie and current season form 1:13:43 Balancing your own game with what the team needs 1:19:33 Weekly training structure and technical drills 1:25:59 Adapting your method and playing to your strengths 1:27:34 Advice for players out of form and rebuilding confidence 1:31:14 Draft XI game of players Param has played with 1:45:27 Underrated teammates and building a balanced XI 1:48:19 Final reflections and Param’s playbook for modern cricketers /episode/index/show/7c18799a-bb92-4c71-b258-72a5bb790c4c/id/39544510

Ep 22 - West Indies' Amir Jangoo on Fear of Failure, Faith, Flow State & His Century on ODI Debut 12/12/2025

Ep 22 - West Indies' Amir Jangoo on Fear of Failure, Faith, Flow State & His Century on ODI Debut Rising West Indies batter Amir Jangoo joins The Cerebral Cricketer Podcast to unpack the mental side of that debut hundred against Bangladesh, the doubts that came before it, and the faith that keeps him grounded when the game humbles him. We go deep on how Amir thinks about failure, why he believes you must accept that you will fail as a professional, and how that frees him up to trust his preparation and play with clarity. He breaks down the chase ball by ball, talks through the moment he was on 94 and decided he was going to hit a six for his century, and explains what it is like to be in that flow state where every option feels on. Amir also reflects on his journey from Bradman U16 MVP in Sydney to first class debut for Trinidad and Tobago, a double hundred in domestic cricket, Super50 runs, sharing dressing rooms with West Indies stars, and dealing with the comedown after a dream debut tour when the next series does not go to plan. If you are a young batter, coach or just a cricket tragic who loves the psychology of the game, this one is packed with real talk on confidence, doubt, routines, faith, and staying level when cricket takes you from hero to struggler and back again. In this episode Story behind Amir’s ODI debut hundred and record chase vs Bangladesh Fear of failure, second guessing yourself, and how pros learn to live with it Flow state, clarity and backing your options under pressure Bradman U16 in Sydney and early West Indies Under 19 memories First class debut for Trinidad and Tobago and learning from senior pros Domestic double hundred, Super50 runs and breaking into West Indies sides How faith, family and support networks keep him grounde 🎙 About The Cerebral Cricketer The Cerebral Cricketer is a podcast where we explore the mental side of the game with players, coaches and experts. We break down mindset, decision making and the inner conversations that shape performance. If you enjoyed this episode with Amir Jangoo, please like, comment, subscribe, and share it with a teammate or coach who loves this side of cricket. Timestamps 0:00 Intro and why Amir’s debut hundred mattered 0:01:18 West Indies call up and getting the debut cap 0:02:56 Dropped catch, walking in at 4 for 86 and starting the chase 0:14:37 Fear of failure, faith, visualisation and scoring mindset 0:22:18 From debut high to Ireland struggles and mental reset 0:31:55 Dad, early love for cricket and confidence in his batting 0:36:51 Test match foundations, Red Force culture and value of first class cricket 0:53:15 Youth pathway, zonal cricket and wicketkeeping development 0:56:35 Bradman Under 16 tour to Sydney and MVP at Bradman Oval 1:04:16 First class debut, double hundred and big domestic seasons 1:16:29 Franchise cricket lessons from Pollard, Shakib and other global stars 1:23:43 Adapting to Dubai, Bangladesh and New Zealand conditions and the short ball 1:35:57 Draft XI mini game picking an XI from his team mates 1:51:28 Fast bowling stories and final advice for young cricketers /episode/index/show/7c18799a-bb92-4c71-b258-72a5bb790c4c/id/39375860

Ep 21 - NSW Next Gen: William Salzmann on Batting Philosophy, Training the Mind & Rewiring Self Talk 12/03/2025

Ep 20 - QLD's X-Factor Callum Vidler: Need for Speed, 140kph plus & Hunting Poles 11/17/2025

Ep 20 - QLD's X-Factor Callum Vidler: Need for Speed, 140kph plus & Hunting Poles Queensland Bulls quick Callum Vidler joins The Cerebral Cricketer to unpack his need for speed, what it feels like to bowl 140kph plus, and why he is always hunting poles rather than bowling safe. From U19 World Cup glory with Australia to a breakout Sheffield Shield final for Queensland, Callum opens up about the mindset behind fast bowling, learning to compete hard without losing control, and how he uses pace as his point of difference. In this episode we cover - Growing up in Brisbane and discovering he could bowl genuinely fast - School and club cricket, and the moment he realised cricket could be a career - U19 World Cup memories, handling knockout pressure and “mind games” with batters - Breaking into Shield cricket for Queensland and that 4 for in the Shield final - What “hunting poles” actually means for him as a fast bowler - Managing adrenaline, routines between balls and staying present at the top of his mark - Dealing with an early injury setback and using rehab to come back better, not bitter - Fast bowling role models, from Queensland greats to international quicks he studies If you enjoy deep dives into the mental side of cricket, mindset and performance, hit subscribe and share this episode with a fellow cricket tragic. Timestamps 0:00 Intro and Callum's cricket story so far 18:00 Handling drop catches, anger and extra pace 19:46 Not being greedy and the best ball plan 20:28 Simple game plan, top of off and bouncers 25:38 Fast bowling journey, never being told to slow down 27:40 Early technical tweaks and no back injuries yet 28:46 Grade cricket light bulb moment, finding extra pace 32:15 Intensity, gears and learning from Dale Steyn 33:52 Injuries, hunger and loving bowling again 34:28 Under 19 nationals and Ryan Harris as coach 35:21 Playing nationals at 17 and teammates like Hugh Weibgen 49:15 Game day fuelling and diet lessons from England 50:26 Warm up, sleep and first ball mindset 51:31 Switching on mentally without heavy meditation 52:05 Planning for batters without overloading on analysis 1:00:44 Shield final bowling plans and Andy Bichel's message 1:01:33 Beamer then beauty to remove Nathan McSweeney 1:02:26 Body language, run up tempo and staying calm in the final 1:03:02 Mindset defending 95 and staying in the moment 1:04:32 Tackling flat wickets and using pace as a point of difference 1:07:20 Under 19 World Cup selection and move to South Africa 1:08:26 Cross seam bounce, South African pitches and Aussie quicks 1:09:24 Four for vs England, cross seam and DLS twist 1:14:20 Batting with Raf McMillan to finish a chase 1:15:00 Preparing for the World Cup final vs India 1:16:25 Resetting after bad balls in a high pressure final 1:24:42 Learning from Marnus and game awareness in Shield cricket 1:25:06 Playing Shield cricket against Sam Konstas after the World Cup 1:26:33 Partial back stress fracture and missing an Australia tour 1:27:04 Injury emotions, staying around the group and Harvey Bay trip 1:28:14 Studying finance, life outside cricket and rehab runs 1:29:16 Hunger to return and not taking cricket for granted 1:35:14 Bowling when sore, being present and finding a way on tough days /episode/index/show/7c18799a-bb92-4c71-b258-72a5bb790c4c/id/39057350

Ep 19 - "Batting is a Chess Match": Premier Cricket Run Machine Aryan Jain on Strategy, Psychology & Mindset 11/04/2025

Ep 19 - "Batting is a Chess Match": Premier Cricket Run Machine Aryan Jain on Strategy, Psychology & Mindset Top Order Premier Cricket Sensation Aryan Jain has a unique journey that runs from London School of Economics to state cricket and a breakout season in Premier cricket. In this episode he explains the simple process that lets him score runs even when he feels out of touch, how he separates technical, mental, and tactical work, and the exact routine he uses between balls. We cover his first class debut for Queensland, lessons from English conditions, facing high pace as a teen, handling selection pressure, and the reflection checklist he uses after dismissals. He also walks through the innings that produced 203 not out and why he now builds in sets of six balls rather than chasing milestones. What you will learn • How to train technique on the machine, then compete in net sessions with a clean mind • The pre ball routine, relax, reflect, refocus, that keeps decision quality high • Tactical cues for swing, why driving square can be lower risk in England • Arousal control on match day, how he dials up or down to hit his optimal state • The post dismissal checklist, preparation, mental, tactical, then technical • Why you do not need to feel good to score runs, plus examples that prove it Timestamps 00:00 Cold open, the chess match hook 01:00 Who is Aryan Jain, quick bio and current form 03:30 Origin story, backyard to junior reps 07:30 Pathway, selection highs and lows 12:00 Game model, scoring template and strong zones 20:00 White ball plans, power play and death options 27:00 Red ball clarity, leave game and first 20 balls 34:00 Pressure control, between balls routine 39:00 Temperaments, switching styles to suit the moment 45:00 Preparation week, drills, data, recovery 51:00 Team culture and leadership, clear roles 56:00 Adversity and form dips, rebuild method 62:00 203 not out, sets of six and patience 69:00 Fan questions, gear, venues, hardest bowlers 74:00 Rapid fire, habits and favorites 77:00 Closing messages and where to follow /episode/index/show/7c18799a-bb92-4c71-b258-72a5bb790c4c/id/38748720

Ep 18 - How I Hit a T20 Hundred: Dutch Opener Michael Levitt on Power Game Secrets & Mental Clarity 10/18/2025

Ep 17 - The Triple Century Blueprint: Antum Naqvi on Batting IQ, Flowstate & the Subconscious 10/01/2025

Ep 16 - No Excuses, Just Runs – Domestic Legend Mark Cosgrove’s Road to 36 First-Class Centuries 09/17/2025

EP 15 - Self-Belief, Optimism & Less Ego: Victorian Superstar Fergus O’Neill's Mindset for Success 09/03/2025

EP 15 - Self-Belief, Optimism & Less Ego: Victorian Superstar Fergus O’Neill's Mindset for Success Fergus O’Neill joins The Cerebral Cricketer to talk self belief, optimism, and why more love, less ego keeps him grounded. We dig into his fast bowling process, judging by execution not outcomes, and the shoe cue that keeps him present, TG, today’s game. He breaks down the hat trick that kick started belief, lessons from Scott Boland and Peter Siddle, and how he plans dismissals with analysts. We get into adapting to flat decks versus green seamers, Kookaburra versus Dukes in England, and the mental routines that help him cash in when rhythm arrives. You will hear inside stories on bowling to Steve Smith at the MCG, facing real pace as a batter, moving from participating to contributing to match winning, and how fun, golf, and balance protect performance across a long season. If you care about seam, length, fields, patience, and building an elite mindset, this one is gold. 00:00 Intro, why mindset matters for wicket takers 00:45 Early sport, golf crossover, backyard skills 03:00 Dad’s tough love, Cameron White’s tactical lessons 06:55 Skill over style, taped ball swing, simple action 10:20 Self belief, optimism, and more love, less ego 16:10 Execution over outcomes, what the best judge 18:00 Hat trick for Melbourne, 6 for 25, belief clicks 20:30 Consistency, showing up, pressure from both ends 22:40 Cues on the boot, TG, staying present 24:45 Adjusting to conditions, flat versus nibble 25:30 Victoria debut, phone call, handling nerves 27:30 Role clarity, from second string to match winner 29:00 Shield debut, wickets of Head and Carey 38:20 Batting against pace, Stark at the MCG 39:30 NSW at the G, planning for big names, backing plans 41:00 Getting Smith, then Henriques, and celebrating the team win 42:20 Forty in a season, what actually changed 43:40 Thirty eight next season, aiming for low variance 47:15 Nottinghamshire, early season conditions, having fun 49:20 Dukes versus Kookaburra, what truly feels different 52:30 Are Shield wickets tougher now, thoughts on pitches 54:50 Off days, finding a way when rhythm is missing 57:40 Analyst work, recurring dismissal patterns, top of off 59:10 The wizard, Farhan Ahmed, and young guns to watch /episode/index/show/7c18799a-bb92-4c71-b258-72a5bb790c4c/id/38064955

Ep 14 - Accuracy, Strategy & Instincts: Kyle Klein’s Blueprint as Netherlands’ Opening Pacer 08/15/2025

Ep 13 - Big Bash Sixes & Shield Centuries: Inside Sam Heazlett's Batting Philosophy 07/29/2025

Ep 12 - Faith, Firepower & Fearless Cricket: How Stephan Myburgh Achieved The Impossible 07/18/2025

Ep 11 - Curtis Campher: The Crisis Man of Irish Cricket 07/02/2025

Ep 10 - Jamaican Fire, Canadian Ice: Aaron Johnson’s Journey To International Cricket 06/17/2025

Ep 10 - Jamaican Fire, Canadian Ice: Aaron Johnson’s Journey To International Cricket We sit down with Aaron Johnson, the explosive Canadian opening batter with Jamaican roots, whose late start and relentless work ethic have turned him into one of the most feared T20 hitters in Associate cricket. From herding goats in rural Jamaica to smashing sixes on the international stage, Aaron shares his journey of grit, growth, and the power of staying true to your game. We talk farm life, cricket culture, mental resilience, training through Canadian winters, and his mindset on debuting for Canada at age 31. He reflects on key mentors, time spent in England's club cricket scene, what he learned from the likes of Tim Southee, Chris Green, and Colin de Grandhomme, and why his motto remains: “See ball, hit ball.” 🔎 Topics covered: The discipline farm life instilled in him His late bloom in professional cricket Life in Canada and qualifying for the national team Lessons from the Global T20 League His mindset before making his international debut What it takes to rise from obscurity to the world stage 📍Whether you're a cricketer, coach, or just someone chasing a dream, this episode is filled with raw inspiration and grounded wisdom. The Cerebral Cricketer Podcast is a deep dive into the psychological side of cricket. Through exclusive interviews with cricketers, coaches, and experts, we explore the journey, mindset, thought processes, and mental resilience behind success. From how batsmen sharpen their focus to the mental cues bowlers use for consistent execution, this podcast unpacks the cerebral side of the game - one conversation at a time. Decode the Mind, Master Your Temperament! Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Player.fm, PocketCasts Follow us on Social Media: Instagram: @TheCerebralCricketer TikTok: @TheCerebralCricketer Twitter: @CerebralCricket /episode/index/show/7c18799a-bb92-4c71-b258-72a5bb790c4c/id/36935395

Ep 9 – Will Bosisto's Revival Story: From U19 MVP to T20 Franchise Comeback Through Mental Mastery 06/01/2025

Ep 9 – Will Bosisto's Revival Story: From U19 MVP to T20 Franchise Comeback Through Mental Mastery In this episode of The Cerebral Cricketer, we sit down with Will Bosisto — Player of the Tournament at the 2012 U19 World Cup — for an unfiltered conversation about the mental blueprint behind his journey: from prodigious talent to rebuilding his game and reigniting his career through T20 franchise cricket. We explore: ✅ The pressures of early success and navigating setbacks ✅ The role of mindfulness, visualization, and breathing in his batting routine ✅ His influences — Mike Hussey, Damien Martyn, and subcontinent experiences ✅ Tactical breakdowns of T20 innings, including lessons from the BPL and Hussey’s game model ✅ The support of his psychologist mother and mentor father ✅ His reflections on temperament, presence, and the psychology of elite performance Plus, hear stories from: 🏏 Playing alongside Travis Head in crunch U19 WC moments 🏏 Facing a young Pat Cummins 🏏 The infamous man-cad vs Bangladesh 🏏 His reflections on a “second coming” in franchise cricket 📌 Whether you're a player, coach, or fan, this episode is a masterclass in the mental side of the game. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more deep dives with cricketers on mindset, performance, and resilience. The Cerebral Cricketer Podcast is a deep dive into the psychological side of cricket. Through exclusive interviews with cricketers, coaches, and experts, we explore the journey, mindset, thought processes, and mental resilience behind success. From how batsmen sharpen their focus to the mental cues bowlers use for consistent execution, this podcast unpacks the cerebral side of the game - one conversation at a time. Decode the Mind, Master Your Temperament! Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Player.fm, PocketCasts Follow us on Social Media: Instagram: @TheCerebralCricketer TikTok: @TheCerebralCricketer Twitter: @CerebralCricket 👇 Drop your thoughts or questions for Will in the comments below! /episode/index/show/7c18799a-bb92-4c71-b258-72a5bb790c4c/id/36665170

Ep 8 - In Zimbabwe. No Helmet. No Fear: Solomon Mire's Fearless Journey to International Cricket 05/16/2025

Ep 7 - From Winning U19 World Cups to Man of the Match in Big Bash Finals: Adam Crosthwaite's Story 05/02/2025

Ep 7 - From Winning U19 World Cups to Man of the Match in Big Bash Finals: Adam Crosthwaite's Story From winning the U19 World Cup alongside future stars like Shaun Marsh and Cameron White, to playing in front of 50,000 fans in Dhaka at 19 years of age, to delivering a mic’d-up Man of the Match performance in a Big Bash Final —Adam Crosthwaite’s career is a rollercoaster of unforgettable moments. You’ll Hear About: 🏆 Teenage Triumphs – Winning the 2002 U19 World Cup undefeated (and why that squad produced many first-class players). 🎤 Big Bash Heroics – That mic’d-up *52* (31) in the 2007 final, complete with fake ramps and Alan Border’s commentary in his ear. 🔥 Baptism by Fire – Facing 50,000 fans in Dhaka as a teen: "It felt like the stadium was shaking." 💡 Lessons from Legends – How playing with the likes of Warne, Hodge, and Maxwell shaped his game (and why "you never get a baggy green by accident"). 🔥 The Double-Century Mindset – His secret to batting for *6+ hours* in grade cricket: "Pack clean kit for every session." From the subcontinent’s dustbowls to Sheffield Shield battles, Adam’s stories are a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and why cricket is "meant to be fun." Whether you’re a player, fan, or just love a great underdog tale, this episode is packed with wisdom—and a few laughs. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the NOTIFICATION BELL so you never miss an episode. The Cerebral Cricketer Podcast is a deep dive into the psychological side of cricket. Through exclusive interviews with cricketers, coaches, and experts, we explore the journey, mindset, thought processes, and mental resilience behind success. From how batsmen sharpen their focus to the mental cues bowlers use for consistent execution, this podcast unpacks the cerebral side of the game - one conversation at a time. Decode the Mind, Master Your Temperament! Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Player.fm, PocketCasts Follow us on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecerebralcricketer TikTok: @TheCerebralCricketer Twitter: @CerebralCricket /episode/index/show/7c18799a-bb92-4c71-b258-72a5bb790c4c/id/36386315

Ep 6 - Queensland's Bryce Street on the Psychology Behind Opening the Batting in Domestic Cricket 04/18/2025

Ep 6 - Queensland's Bryce Street on the Psychology Behind Opening the Batting in Domestic Cricket We sit down with Queensland's Bryce Street, to dive deep into the mental side of cricket. From overcoming nerves and self-doubt to scoring record-breaking innings (including his epic 345 off 434 balls), Bryce shares invaluable insights on what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of the game. From managing negative self-talk to embracing simplicity at the crease, Bryce gives us a rare, honest look into the psychology of performance and what it means to trust your game even when the runs aren’t flowing. Whether you’re a player, coach, or just a lover of the game, this episode is packed with takeaways on resilience, self-awareness, and the mental craft of batting. 🔹 Key Topics Discussed: ✅ Mindset & Mental Toughness – How Bryce deals with pressure, nerves, and self-doubt. ✅ Batting Strategies – The secrets behind his big hundreds and disciplined approach. ✅ Trigger Movements & Technique – Why some batters use them, and others don’t. ✅ Lessons from Legends – Playing alongside Labuschagne, Khawaja, and Renshaw. ✅ Sports Psychology – The role of routines, breathwork, and visualization in performance. ✅ Facing World-Class Bowlers – His toughest opponents (including Nathan Lyon & Mitchell Starc). 🔥 Whether you're a cricketer, coach, or just love the game, this episode is packed with actionable advice to elevate your mental game. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the NOTIFICATION BELL so you never miss an episode. The Cerebral Cricketer Podcast is a deep dive into the psychological side of cricket. Through exclusive interviews with cricketers, coaches, and experts, we explore the journey, mindset, thought processes, and mental resilience behind success. From how batsmen sharpen their focus to the mental cues bowlers use for consistent execution, this podcast unpacks the cerebral side of the game - one conversation at a time. Decode the Mind, Master Your Temperament! Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Player.fm, PocketCasts Follow us on Social Media: Instagram: TikTok: @TheCerebralCricketer Twitter: @CerebralCricket Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:10 Growing up with cricket and early sporting influences 03:00 Why Bryce became an opening batter 05:00 Left-hand batting, right-hand bowling: a natural advantage 07:30 The role Bryce’s dad played in shaping his mental game 09:30 Junior cricket lessons: maturity over flash 11:00 Balancing tough coaching with support 13:30 Letting kids enjoy cricket vs overcoaching 15:00 Under-15 Nationals: nerves, failure & getting picked as a bowler 19:00 Cricket in the Netherlands: isolation, pressure & breakthrough 23:00 Accessing a sports psych: the start of mental transformation 25:00 Breaking routines to build mental flexibility 26:30 Breathwork, mindfulness & calming the chaos 30:00 The crucial first 30 balls: getting set 32:00 Managing mental downtime between deliveries 34:00 Breath control strategies during high-pressure situations 36:00 Meditation, visualization & prepping for bowlers 38:00 Using video footage without frying your brain 40:00 Playing 1st grade at 17 & scoring his debut hundred 42:00 Facing elite bowlers and discovering the trigger movement 46:00 Fraser-McGurk, individuality, and finding what works for you 49:00 Why self-awareness beats textbook technique 51:00 Trialling a front foot trigger – and it worked 52:30 The story behind Bryce's epic 345 for QLD 2nd XI 56:30 “Now make it 300” – Chris Hartley’s motivating message 58:00 How to stay hungry & focused after reaching a milestone 1:00:00 The psychology of building huge innings 1:02:30 How Bryce keeps things simple when batting long 1:05:00 Developing batting clarity through lived experience 1:08:00 Why red-ball cricket exposes your true temperament 1:10:00 Lessons from failure, flow, and mental recalibration 1:13:00 Final thoughts on discipline, development & mindset 1:15:00 Advice for young cricketers: process, presence, and patience 1:17:00 What’s next for Bryce Street? 1:19:00 Closing reflections & outro /episode/index/show/7c18799a-bb92-4c71-b258-72a5bb790c4c/id/36217595

Ep 5 - Ranked Top 50 In The World - Gus Sloan's Secret to Dominating Last Man Stands & VR Cricket 04/06/2025

Ep 5 - Ranked Top 50 In The World - Gus Sloan's Secret to Dominating Last Man Stands & VR Cricket In this episode, we chat to Gus Sloan, a superstar in the Global T20 Tournament "Last Man Stands (LMS)" (youngest anointed 'Legend' in LMS history!), to dive deep into his incredible journey, from playing rugby league as a teenager to becoming one of the most prolific players in LMS and Virtual Reality iB Cricket history. With a batting average of 66.89 and a strike rate of 192.68 in LMS, Gus shares his secrets to success, the mental and physical preparation behind his game, and his transition into sports management with Grandstand Sports Management. 🔹 Key Topics Covered: Gus’s early days in rugby league and how injury led him to cricket The rise to becoming a top-ranked LMS player globally Insights into batting and bowling strategies tailored for LMS The challenges and triumphs of representing Australia in LMS World Cups How virtual reality (IB Cricket) has transformed his training Launching his player agency and mentoring the next generation Whether you're a cricket enthusiast, an aspiring player, or just love a great sports story, this episode is packed with actionable insights, hilarious anecdotes, and behind-the-scenes stories from the world of competitive cricket. 🔔 Subscribe to The Cerebral Cricketer for more in-depth conversations with cricketers, coaches, and sports personalities! 📌 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music & more! Follow us on social media for updates! 📷 Instagram: 🐦 Twitter: Like, comment, and share if you enjoyed the conversation! 🚀 Timestamps 00:00:00 Introduction & Gus Sloan’s LMS Achievements 00:04:54 Gus’s Batting & Bowling Stats (Avg 66.89, SR 192) 00:08:37 Rugby League Background & Transition to Cricket 00:12:45 Injury & How LMS Became His Focus 00:17:42 Starting a Player Agency (Grandstand Sports) 00:24:32 Batting Mindset: Reacting vs. Overthinking 00:32:12 Facing International Players in LMS 00:39:37 Bowling Tactics & Training (Plyometrics, Speed) 00:47:52 LMS Rule Quirks (Home Runs, Steals, Double Plays) 00:54:22 Representing Australia in LMS World Cups (Kenya, India) 01:04:42 How to Get Selected for LMS Nationals 01:12:02 Favorite Cricketers (Maxwell, Smith) & SCG Experience 01:20:12 Ivy Cricket VR Training & World Records 01:29:22 Memorable LMS Innings & Close Losses 01:37:37 Final Advice for Aspiring LMS Players 01:39:22 Outro /episode/index/show/7c18799a-bb92-4c71-b258-72a5bb790c4c/id/36018200

Ep 4 - Lessons from Shariz Ahmad - My Reflections & Key Takeaways! 04/06/2025

Ep 3 – The Next Rashid Khan? Dutch Sensation Shariz Ahmad on His T20 World Cup Journey & More! 03/23/2025

Ep 3 – The Next Rashid Khan? Dutch Sensation Shariz Ahmad on His T20 World Cup Journey & More! In this episode, we sit down with Shariz Ahmad, the Netherlands' rising cricket sensation, as he shares his incredible journey from backyard cricket to the international stage. Discover how he honed his leg-spin skills, overcame challenges, and made his mark in the T20 World Cup. Plus, get exclusive insights into his training routines, mental preparation, and the secrets behind his all-rounder success. 🌟 Inside this episode: ✅ The mindset & tactics behind his leg spin 🧠🎯 ✅ Learning from legends like Rashid Khan, Adam Zampa & Shadab Khan 🏏🔥 ✅ His unforgettable T20 World Cup debut & the pressure of international cricket ✅ Bowling to Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma on the world’s biggest stage 🏆🔥 ✅ How he took on Shakib Al Hasan & the world’s best batters ✅ His transition into an all-rounder & power-hitting role 💪💥 From playing backyard cricket with his brother Musa Ahmad to making an impact on the global stage, Shariz shares the secrets behind his rise, his fearless mindset, and what it takes to succeed at the highest level! 🚀 Whether you’re a cricketer, coach, or simply fascinated by the psychology of elite sport, this episode is packed with insights into what it takes to succeed. 💬 What’s your favorite moment from Shariz Ahmad’s journey? Let us know in the comments below! 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the NOTIFICATION BELL so you never miss an episode. The Cerebral Cricketer Podcast is a deep dive into the psychological side of cricket. Through exclusive interviews with cricketers, coaches, and experts, we explore the journey, mindset, thought processes, and mental resilience behind success. From how batsmen sharpen their focus to the mental cues bowlers use for consistent execution, this podcast unpacks the cerebral side of the game - one conversation at a time. Decode the Mind, Master Your Temperament! Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Player.fm, PocketCasts Follow us on Social Media: Instagram: / thecerebralcricketer Twitter: @CerebralCricket /episode/index/show/7c18799a-bb92-4c71-b258-72a5bb790c4c/id/35809100

Ep 2 - Lessons from Musa Nadeem Ahmad - My Reflection & Key Takeaways! 03/21/2025

Ep 1 - From Football Dreams to Facing 150kph: Musa Nadeem Ahmed's Journey to International Cricket 03/09/2025

Ep 1 - From Football Dreams to Facing 150kph: Musa Nadeem Ahmed's Journey to International Cricket We talk to Musa Nadeem Ahmed, the dynamic left-handed batsman from the Netherlands national cricket team. Musa shares his incredible journey from dreaming of becoming a professional footballer to becoming one of the most exciting talents in Dutch cricket. From his early days playing backyard cricket with his brother to facing 150kph deliveries from the likes of Naseem Shah and Anrich Nortje, Musa opens up about the challenges of the journey to international cricket. He also discusses his experiences in the European Cricket League, his time at the Gary Kirsten Cricket Academy, how influential his father was in his life, how he overcame setbacks and seized his opportunities, to achieve his dreams. Whether you're a cricket enthusiast or just love a good underdog story, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and valuable lessons on resilience, hard work, and the power of self-belief. 🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Musa transitioned from football to cricket and found his passion for the game. The impact of his father’s coaching and how it shaped his fearless mindset. His experiences playing senior cricket from a young age and how it accelerated his development. The mental challenges of international cricket, including handling nerves on debut. What he learned from playing in Australia and dealing with sledging in a tough cricket culture. His preparation, routines, and mental techniques to stay focused under pressure. 🚀 Whether you’re a cricketer, coach, or simply fascinated by the psychology of elite sport, this episode is packed with insights into what it takes to succeed. 💬 What’s your favorite moment from Musa’s journey? Let us know in the comments below! 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the NOTIFICATION BELL so you never miss an episode. The Cerebral Cricketer Podcast is a deep dive into the psychological side of cricket. Through exclusive interviews with cricketers, coaches, and experts, we explore the journey, mindset, thought processes, and mental resilience behind success. From how batsmen sharpen their focus to the mental cues bowlers use for consistent execution, this podcast unpacks the cerebral side of the game - one conversation at a time. Decode the Mind, Master Your Temperament! Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Player.fm, PocketCasts Follow us on Social Media: Instagram: Twitter: @CerebralCricket Timestamps: 00:00:05 - Introduction 00:03:12 - Moving from football to cricket and father's influence 00:07:08 - Training and Early Career 00:11:20 - Mental Approach 00:16:36 - Cricketing Inspirations 00:19:12 - Gary Kirsten Academy: Experience at the academy 00:23:33 - National Team Journey 00:35:17 - Pre-Match Routine 00:39:00 - Experience with club cricket in Perth, Australia and handling sledging 00:44:08 - COVID-19 Impact 00:49:51 - International Debut 01:02:02 - Scoring 61 against South Africa and facing world-class bowlers. 01:03:01 - Facing Anrich Nortje: Discussing the challenge of facing Nortje's pace and short balls. 01:06:12 - Dealing with Nortje's Pace: Adjusting his batting against Nortje's 150+ km/h deliveries. 01:16:14 - Close Matches: Regret over not finishing a close game against West Indies. 01:24:09 - Setbacks and Resilience 01:27:05 - Experience at the Lahore Qalandars High Performance Center. 01:30:22 - Favorite Innings: Reflecting on his best performances and toughest bowlers faced. 01:30:49 - Facing Naseem Shah 01:35:51 - Cricketers He Admires: Three cricketers he’d like to hang out with. 01:36:52 - Meeting Babar Azam 01:43:07 - Future Goals 01:44:23 - Closing Remarks /episode/index/show/7c18799a-bb92-4c71-b258-72a5bb790c4c/id/35582560

The Launch of The Cerebral Cricketer Podcast! 03/04/2025

The Cerebral Cricketer

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