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We are joined by Shannon Young, founder of YoungGun Cricket and CEO of Cricket Performance Lab.
Shannon is a former Richmond Cricket Club Head Coach in Victorian Premier Cricket and has worked across private coaching, Premier Cricket and high-performance pathway environments.
He has helped develop home-grown first-class cricketers and brings a unique perspective on what it actually takes to progress from club cricket to higher levels of the game.
In this conversation, we explore the psychology behind player development, understanding the person behind the cricketer, identifying behavioural patterns, building trust as a coach, and why modern coaching has to go beyond batting technique alone.
We also discuss Cricket Performance Lab, cricket technology, bat fitting, BPI, game education, young talent, Premier Cricket, and what separates talented players from players who are genuinely ready for the next level.
This episode is for cricketers, coaches, parents and serious cricket followers who want to better understand how modern players are developed, both technically and mentally.
#CricketPodcast #ShannonYoung #TheCerebralCricketer #CricketCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #PremierCricket #CricketPerformanceLab
Timestamps
00:00 Intro to Shannon Young
00:57 Shannon's coaching journey
02:00 Players Shannon has worked with
03:05 Cricket Performance Lab and elite players
04:20 Jason Gillespie, Richmond and Glenn Maxwell context
06:00 Premier Cricket's role in developing talent
08:15 Building Richmond's academy model
10:00 Talent, belief and hard coaching
12:30 Standards, fielding and the 1% mindset
15:00 Pressure, trust and giving players ownership
18:10 Identifying and stretching young talent
20:10 Backing youth over established club players
22:00 Talent, environment and decision-making
27:15 The one club approach at Richmond
32:00 Traditional coaching vs modern cricket
33:25 Shannon's traffic light system
35:00 Jake Fraser-McGurk, risk and match-winning talent
39:20 Technique, foundations and power hitting
45:00 Shannon's personal story and coaching philosophy
50:00 Coaching the person behind the player
54:00 Mental performance, self-awareness and pressure
56:10 Neurodiversity, life context and performance
1:00:00 Understanding player responses and the Mitch Perry story
1:06:00 Coaching philosophy beyond technique
1:10:00 Learning from elite players and asking why
1:11:20 Cricket Performance Lab explained
1:14:00 Bat fitting, BPI and the 1% edge
1:17:20 Babar Azam and CPL insights
1:21:20 Final advice for young cricketers
1:22:20 Jake Fraser-McGurk, Glenn Phillips and challenging the game
1:24:10 Outro
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In this episode of The Cerebral Cricketer, we sit down with Tom Scollay, former professional cricketer for Middlesex and founder of Cricket Mentoring.
Tom shares his journey from growing up in Alice Springs to playing professional cricket in England, including his experiences at Middlesex and Lord's.
We also explore the deeper side of cricket development, including confidence, pressure, mindset, parental influence, preparation and why so many talented young cricketers struggle to reach their full potential.
Tom also breaks down the philosophy behind Cricket Mentoring and its holistic approach to developing players beyond just technique, looking at the technical, tactical, mental, emotional, physical and lifestyle sides of the game.
This conversation is a must-listen for young cricketers, parents, coaches and anyone interested in the mental and emotional side of cricket.
Topics covered:
* Tom's journey from Alice Springs to Middlesex
* Playing professional cricket at Lord's
* Why talent alone is not enough
* The difference between coaching and mentoring
* The mental and emotional side of cricket
* How parents can better support young cricketers
* Why players lose confidence and enjoyment
* Cricket Mentoring's 6 Pillars of Success
* How young cricketers can understand themselves better
Guest: Tom Scollay
Follow Cricket Mentoring:
https://cricketmentoring.com/ https://www.instagram.com/cricketmentoring/
Timestamps
00:00 Intro
01:17 Growing up in Alice Springs
03:00 Falling in love with cricket
06:23 Studying the game before smartphones
07:43 Playing for Northern Territory
09:29 Facing future Australian stars as a junior
11:52 Steve Smith and the viral net session
13:32 Playing against older cricketers
17:17 Moving to Perth and joining Melville
19:05 The move to England and Middlesex
21:55 Hitting 24 in the first over on trial
23:41 Earning a Middlesex contract
24:17 Playing with Eoin Morgan, Chris Rogers and Andrew Strauss
25:22 Playing with freedom and making a statement
38:08 Self-worth, results and young cricketers
40:16 What parents should say after a game
43:03 The danger of forcing your dream onto your child
46:20 Lord's debut, pressure and imposter syndrome
01:03:51 Technique, tactics and the mental side of batting
01:06:08 Cricket Mentoring's 6 Pillars of Success
01:06:57 Facing world-class T20 players
01:14:38 Advice for young cricketers
01:15:31 Outro
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Fehlende Folgen?
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We sit down with Aryan Sharma, an Australia U19 all-rounder and Victorian rookie, for a powerful conversation about cricket, family, belief and the journey towards professional cricket.
Aryan's story is about much more than runs, wickets and selections. Behind his rise through the Australian pathway is a family story built on sacrifice, especially the role of his father, who came to Australia with $500 and spent years driving him to training, games and carnivals without complaint.
Aryan opens up about representing Australia at U19 level, earning a rookie contract with Victoria, learning from elite players in the Melbourne Stars and Victorian environments, and the pressure of trying to build a professional cricket career at a young age.
We also speak about confidence, faith, gratitude, taking positives from difficult situations, handling fear of failure, breathwork, batting with clarity, bowling spin in the modern game, and the mindset required to keep improving.
This was a very honest and grounded conversation with one of the exciting young all-rounders coming through Australian cricket.
Topics covered:
• Australia U19 journey
• Victoria rookie contract
• Family sacrifice and immigrant story
• His father's role in his cricket journey
• Faith, gratitude and belief
• Handling pressure and fear of failure
• Breathwork and staying present
• Confidence as a young cricketer
• Learning from Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis and the Melbourne Stars
• Batting, spin bowling and becoming a genuine all-rounder
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment and subscribe for more long-form conversations on cricket, mindset and performance.
Timestamps
00:00 Intro
02:40 Learning from Glenn Maxwell
04:57 Becoming a genuine all-rounder
06:29 U19 World Cup semi-final pressure
08:22 Breathwork, nerves and clarity
09:59 Learning to bat longer
11:50 Red ball vs white ball mindset
12:56 Good risks vs bad risks
13:30 Aryan's early cricket journey
15:00 Becoming a left-arm spinner
18:57 Virat Kohli's influence
21:15 The viral Boxing Day Test poster
23:31 Faith, gratitude and perspective
27:00 Representing Australia U19s
28:04 His father's sacrifices
31:25 Family support and his sisters
33:06 His father coming to Australia with $500
35:33 U17 carnival and pathway cricket
38:47 Method to the madness
39:22 Confidence and fear of failure
43:03 Dressing room culture
44:07 Playing against future Australia U19 teammates
48:56 Australia U19 debut series against India
51:23 Oliver Peake and teammate success
54:26 Getting a Victoria rookie contract
55:12 No handouts, earning his place
56:44 Chris Rogers' advice
58:06 Melbourne Stars experience
01:01:13 Haris Rauf and facing high pace
01:02:26 Batting clarity and staying still
01:08:09 Breathwork, recovery and professionalism
01:09:52 Downtime, music and Ronaldo
01:13:09 Outro
#Cricket #AryanSharma #AustraliaU19 #VictorianCricket #TheCerebralCricketer #CricketPodcast #CricketAustralia #MelbourneStars #CricketMindset
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We sit down with Harjas Singh, one of the most exciting young left-handed batters in Australian cricket.
Harjas is a 2024 Under-19 World Cup winner, Australia's top scorer in the final against India, the Western Suburbs batter who smashed a record-breaking 314 off 141 balls, and has now earned his first NSW rookie contract.
In this conversation, Harjas opens up about what the NSW rookie contract means to him, how life changes when cricket becomes your profession, and the hard work still ahead as he looks to push towards a full contract and future BBL opportunities.
We also explore one of the most unique parts of Harjas' journey, his background in Sikh/Punjabi martial arts. Harjas explains how training with sticks and swords from a young age helped develop his wrist and arm strength, and how that physical base carries into his batting.
This episode also dives deep into the mental side of the game. Harjas shares how breathwork helps him manage adrenaline, calm his nerves, stay present, and avoid getting caught up in past failures or future outcomes.
He reflects on the mindset shift that helped him enjoy his cricket more, focus on his Monday to Friday preparation, and produce a breakout season in NSW Premier Cricket.
A fascinating conversation on culture, power hitting, breathwork, pressure, staying present, and the journey from junior cricket to becoming a NSW professional.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
00:36 NSW rookie contract and becoming a pro
03:55 Punjabi martial arts and life outside cricket
08:30 Faith, adrenaline and demonstrations
10:00 How martial arts connects to batting
11:21 Breathwork and controlling nerves
14:02 Staying present and calm
16:10 Batting instincts, zones and the 314 mindset
19:14 Junior cricket, pressure and enjoying the game
22:23 Preparation over outcomes
23:44 Family, Westfields and his dad's influence
28:53 Facing genuine pace and Australia U19 selection
32:40 England U19 debut and Youth Test hundred
38:12 U19 World Cup memories
41:22 World Cup final against India
44:16 Sydney Sixers and learning from elite players
48:57 Breakout Premier Cricket season and adapting formats
52:19 Switching off between balls
54:35 Matchups, T20 batting and grade cricket lessons
57:12 Best players, hardest bowlers and best advice
01:00:10 Advice for young cricketers
01:00:59 Final words
#HarjasSingh #TheCerebralCricketer #CricketPodcast #NSWCricket #SydneySixers #U19WorldCup #AustralianCricket #PunjabiCricket #CricketMindset #BattingTips #Breathwork #CricketTraining
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In this episode of The Cerebral Cricketer, I'm joined by New Zealand international all-rounder Scott Kuggeleijn for a deep and honest conversation about what it really takes to understand your game.
Scott has represented the Black Caps across all three formats, built an outstanding domestic career with Northern Districts, and been part of elite IPL environments with Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
We dive into the mindset behind his explosive 19-ball fifty in New Zealand first-class cricket, why so many cricketers struggle to truly know their own game, and how players can avoid getting lost in technical overload, bad advice and the pressure to please coaches.
Scott also opens up about his unique bowling action, learning from his father, developing self-awareness as a fast bowler, the worst advice he ever received, and the importance of honest conversations in cricket environments.
We also discuss what it was like being around names like MS Dhoni, Shane Watson, Dwayne Bravo, AB de Villiers, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Kieron Pollard, Kane Williamson, Daniel Vettori and Shaun Tait, plus the lessons he picked up across the IPL, CPL and other franchise tournaments.
This is a must-watch for young cricketers, fast bowlers, all-rounders, coaches, and anyone interested in the mental side of cricket.
Topics covered:
Scott Kuggeleijn's cricket journey
Growing up with a father who played for New Zealand
His unique catapult-style bowling action
The mindset behind his 19-ball fifty
Why self-awareness matters in cricket
How to handle coaching advice
The danger of overthinking technique
Shaun Tait's advice on bowling fast
Kane Williamson's cricket mind
Inside CSK, Mumbai Indians and RCB
AB de Villiers' humility
Virat Kohli's energy and confidence
Fast bowling tactics and franchise cricket
Subscribe for more deep-dive cricket conversations on mindset, performance, pressure and the inner game.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
00:39 Growing Up In A Cricket Family
01:45 Scott's Unique Bowling Action
05:23 Training For Fast Bowling
07:12 Becoming A Bowling All Rounder
08:04 The 19 Ball Fifty
10:01 The Mindset Behind The Innings
15:31 Why Overcoaching Can Hurt Players
16:27 Being Your Own Best Coach
19:30 Honest Conversations With Coaches
21:38 Why Some Players Get Stuck
28:19 The Worst Bowling Advice He Received
32:00 Knowing What Type Of Bowler You Are
36:22 Simple Mental Cues That Work
37:36 Understanding Your Role In The Team
40:43 Why Fast Bowlers Need Gears
45:28 The Jump To International Cricket
48:20 Shaun Tait's Advice On Bowling Fast
51:38 Kane Williamson And Daniel Vettori
53:24 Champions League T20 Lessons
55:57 Beating Mumbai Indians
58:20 Inside Chennai Super Kings
01:03:25 Why CSK Back Their Players
01:05:24 CSK's Calm Environment
01:06:45 Bowling To KL Rahul And Chris Gayle
01:09:10 Mumbai Indians And RCB Experiences
01:10:45 AB De Villiers' Humility
01:11:43 Virat Kohli's Energy
01:12:42 Franchise Cricket Around The World
01:15:13 The Cutthroat Reality Of Franchise Cricket
01:16:30 Handling Pressure In Professional Cricket
01:19:46 Life Outside Cricket
01:21:18 Test Cricket And England's Bazball Approach
01:26:21 Nathan Lyon, Australia And Steve Smith
01:28:07 Most Impressive Bowlers He Has Seen
01:29:38 Jesse Ryder And Shane Watson
01:32:49 Dutch Roots And Netherlands Cricket
01:34:48 Final Reflections
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In this episode of The Cerebral Cricketer, Italy international batter AJ Mosca breaks down the journey to Italy's first ever men's T20 World Cup, the mindset behind his match-winning 62 not out against Nepal, and the adjustments needed to succeed at the highest level of the game.
AJ reflects on his cricketing journey from the Sydney grade system to the international stage, and shares how years of refinement, self-awareness and preparation helped shape his game. He opens up about preparing for elite bowling attacks, developing new scoring options against both spin and pace, and learning how to stay clear, composed and decisive in high-pressure moments.
The conversation also explores the mental side of batting, including AJ's in-game process, the idea of flow state, and the importance of trusting your method when the stakes are at their highest. He also speaks powerfully about what Italy's rise meant to him personally, the emotion behind that historic World Cup moment, and why representing Italy alongside his brother made it even more special.
This is a fascinating conversation on mindset, adjustment, identity and performance, and a deep insight into one of the most memorable stories of Italy's rise on the world cricket stage.
Timestamps
00:00 Intro
00:43 Childhood, family and choosing cricket
05:50 Cricket in Rome
07:31 Crazy synthetic wickets
12:40 Early coaches and batting journey
17:46 Reflection and skill development
20:03 Building the baseball swing
23:47 The mental jump to international cricket
27:20 Facing pace and spin at World Cup level
34:07 Four years of World Cup preparation
38:32 The Nepal game plan
43:07 Flow state in the 62*
45:24 AJ's batting process explained
48:44 The emotion behind the celebration
53:44 Facing England with belief
56:00 Sydney grade teammates in Italy's side
01:04:35 Learning from big names in club cricket
01:06:23 Italy's World Cup learnings
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What is it really like to live under the microscope as a professional cricketer?
In this episode of The Cerebral Cricketer, I'm joined by Melbourne-based cricket journalist Daniel Cherny for a fascinating conversation on the hidden psychological side of professional cricket.
We explore what high level cricketers have to deal with beyond pure performance, from media scrutiny and social media criticism to selection pressure, public narratives, and the mental toll of being constantly assessed.
Daniel shares insights from years of covering Australian cricket, including how player reputations are formed, why certain narratives stick, how young players adjust to the spotlight, and what journalists observe about pressure that fans often miss.
We also dive into Sheffield Shield cricket, Test cricket culture in Australia, and the evolving environment around elite players in the modern game.
If you're interested in the mental side of cricket, selection dynamics, team culture, and the reality of life under the microscope, this is a must-watch.
Timestamps
00:00 Intro
00:27 How Daniel Cherny got into sports journalism
02:02 Daniel's cricketing background
02:50 His journey from The Age to Code Sports
08:04 Victoria, cricket culture, and journalism
12:28 What makes covering cricket different
17:56 Sheffield Shield crowds and long format interest
21:49 Why Test cricket still dominates in Australia
26:11 Is Sheffield Shield still producing Test players?
33:21 The pressure jump to international cricket
40:32 How narratives stick to cricketers
49:46 How players handle being dropped
56:29 Social media and the mental toll on cricketers
01:02:03 Team culture and the modern Australian setup
01:08:14 Daniel's favourite journalism moments
01:09:39 The player unlucky to miss more Test cricket
01:10:24 Wrap up
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In this episode of The Cerebral Cricketer, Shadley van Schalkwyk opens up like never before.
He reflects on growing up in Cape Town, coming through the South African system, losing his contract, and the mindset shift that changed his career.
Shadley speaks honestly about self-belief, failure, faith, God and how his wife's encouragement pushed him to go all in again, including a brutal stretch of 4am gym sessions, highly specific training, and a full year of sacrifice to give himself one more shot at the biggest stage.
He also breaks down the tactical thinking and bowling plans he used at the World Cup against India and Pakistan that helped drive his success.
This is a deep conversation about resilience, process, identity, and what it really takes to keep going in professional cricket.
Topics include:
Shadley's childhood in Cape Town School sport, rugby, and early cricket development Losing his contract and rediscovering love for the game Self-belief, failure, and the mental side of cricket Faith, Belief in God and how it shapes his mindset 4am training, sacrifice, and preparation for the World Cup How he stayed ready when he was not expected to play Lessons from high-level cricket and lifeTimestamps
00:00 Intro and USA cricket
02:31 Growing up in Cape Town
06:49 Sport, failure and early lessons
08:48 Coaching and cricket development
13:41 From wicketkeeper to all-rounder
15:21 First-class debut
23:01 Advice, confidence and self-doubt
27:26 Losing his contract changed everything
32:26 Life lessons from cricket
34:41 Self-belief and handling doubt
42:52 Faith, God and letting go
48:01 First World Cup vs second World Cup
50:51 The 4am training grind
52:48 Redefining his role
56:31 Becoming a thinking cricketer
01:08:07 Recovery and body management
01:10:07 Tactical planning for India
01:20:15 Reflecting on USA's World Cup campaign
01:25:26 World Cup conversations and lessons
01:27:25 Beating Bangladesh before the World Cup
01:28:56 Facing South Africa's best
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We are joined by Western Australia wicketkeeper-batter Joel Curtis for a deep conversation on the mental and technical side of batting and handling self-doubt.
We explore how backyard battles with his older brother shaped his competitiveness, how he developed his game, and the role Cricket Mentoring played in sharpening both his technique and mental approach.
Joel opens up about playing in England, learning to trust his game, and how volume of cricket helped accelerate his development.
He also reflects honestly on the pressure of second XI cricket, making his Sheffield Shield debut, getting a first-ball duck, and the self-doubt that followed, before later scoring his maiden Shield hundred for WA.
If you enjoy cricket conversations that go beyond the surface and explore the mindset behind performance, this one is for you.
Topics include: Joel Curtis, Western Australia cricket, Sheffield Shield, batting mindset, self-doubt, mental routines, wicketkeeper-batsman, grade cricket, Second XI cricket, first-class cricket, domestic cricket, cricket psychology, facing fast bowling, batting technique, cricket development.
Timestamps
00:00 Intro
00:26 How Joel got into cricket
01:21 Growing up competitive with his older brother
03:41 Was he always a wicketkeeper-batter? 05:49 Learning without a technical coach
07:39 How backyard cricket shaped his batting
10:13 The impact of Cricket Mentoring
12:01 Batting fundamentals for young players
13:21 Why great batters play late
15:59 Does defense still matter in T20 cricket?
17:31 England, freedom and record-breaking runs
22:24 Why England fast-tracked his development
24:22 Grade cricket form and his WA opportunity
28:29 Advice for handling pressure opportunities
29:37 Joel's Sheffield Shield debut
32:48 First-ball duck, self-doubt and bouncing back
35:00 Reflecting on that dismissal and what he changed
36:54 Are Shield conditions harder for batters now?
39:58 The story behind his maiden Shield hundred
42:34 Preparing to face quality pace attacks
44:46 Batting in flow at Junction Oval
47:33 Learning from Mitch Marsh and WA's stars
50:37 How to train for genuine pace
52:57 Joel's batting routine
56:22 Adapting to different batting roles
59:38 MRF Academy, PM's XI and India experience
01:02:40 What India taught him about playing spin
01:04:18 Chasing 320 against Tasmania
01:07:05 Dressing room message during WA's tense chase
01:08:15 Sports psych, meditation and visualization
01:10:19 Handling self-doubt and mental chatter
01:13:21 Toughest bowler he has faced
01:13:58 Batters who impressed him most
01:14:54 His most satisfying innings
01:15:27 Best piece of advice he's received
01:19:12 Balancing work and cricket before his contract
01:20:47 Wrap up
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In this episode of The Cerebral Cricketer, we are joined by ESPNcricinfo Bangladesh correspondent Mohammad Isam for a deep conversation on the real state of Bangladesh cricket.
We discuss why Bangladesh continues to produce talented players but struggles to consistently develop world-class cricketers, the impact of BCB politics, poor infrastructure, weak pathways, under-19 dependence, BKSP, coaching, and the cultural issues that continue to hold Bangladesh cricket back.
Mohammad Isam also shares fascinating insights on overlooked cricketers, the rise of players like Rishad Hossain, the role of coaches such as Chandika Hathurusinghe, and why Bangladesh cricket still feels trapped between potential and instability.
This is one of the most honest and in-depth conversations you'll hear on Bangladesh cricket.
Topics include:
- Bangladesh cricket structure
- BCB politics
- BKSP and under-19 cricket
- Why talent gets wasted
- Coaching in Bangladesh cricket
- Rishad Hossain and leg spin
- Domestic cricket problems
- The future of Bangladesh cricket
🎙 About The Cerebral Cricketer Podcast
The Cerebral Cricketer is a coaching led podcast that goes inside the minds of current players, coaches and specialists, focusing on plans, spaces and the mental skills that separate good from world class.
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Zimbabwe's Brad Evans sits down to unpack the real story behind his rise, from fringe seamer to one of the most effective T20 bowlers in the world.
This is not just highlights and memories, it is a deep dive into the plans, spaces and mental frameworks he uses every time he competes for Zimbabwe.
From that famous last over against Pakistan at the T20 World Cup, to his five for against India in Harare and his Test five for against Afghanistan, Brad breaks down how he thinks about plans, pressure and patience at the highest level.
This conversation is packed with practical lessons for fast bowlers, allrounders and coaches who care about the mental side of the game. 🧠
What we cover in this episode
- Is Brad a naturally cerebral cricketer, and how growing up with Craig Evans shaped his cricket brain
- Why his dad focused on enjoyment, not expectation, and how that protected his mindset
- The Sri Lanka Cricketer camp, training in heat and humidity, and creating a cricket retreat environment
- Low balls and bouncers, elite focus drills, and the coin exercise that changed how he watches the ball
- Understanding spaces and body shapes rather than copying Kohli or Green
- Technical tweaks to movement and alignment, and how posture at the crease shifts intent
- The mindset shift from fearing getting out to seeing himself as a run scorer
- A walk through of the last over vs Pakistan, sticking to his plan after getting hit
- How that game changed how Zimbabwe fans, teammates and Brad himself saw his role
- The India ODI series, dealing with imposter syndrome and taking a five for against a world giant
- Test cricket patience, long spells, and his Afghanistan five for as a reward for discipline
🎙 About The Cerebral Cricketer Podcast
The Cerebral Cricketer is a coaching led podcast that goes inside the minds of current players, coaches and specialists, focusing on plans, spaces and the mental skills that separate good from world class.
Subscribe for more deep dives with international cricketers and high level coaches.
If you enjoyed this episode with Brad Evans
- Leave a comment with your favourite insight
- Share this with a teammate or coach
- Subscribe to the channel and hit the bell so you do not miss future episodes
#BradEvans #ZimbabweCricket #T20Cricket #CricketPodcast #CricketMindset #FastBowler #SriLankaCricketer
Timestamps
00:00 Intro and who Brad Evans is
02:00 Is Brad a naturally cerebral cricketer, growing up with Craig Evans
07:00 Dad's philosophy, enjoyment over expectation
11:30 Sri Lanka camp experience and training environment
18:30 Focus on low balls and bouncers, vision and focus drills
27:30 Working with Toby Radford, understanding his game and spaces
37:00 Technical tweaks, movement, balance and batting posture
47:30 Mindset shift, from fearing getting out to scoring runs
58:00 Pakistan T20 World Cup game and build up to the final over
1:07:30 Bowling the last over vs Pakistan, sticking to his plan
1:16:00 Aftermath of that win, change in confidence and perception
1:23:00 India ODI series, five wicket haul and partnership with Sikandar Raza
1:33:00 Test cricket mindset, patience and Afghanistan five for
1:42:00 Key lessons for cricketers and closing thoughts
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World Renowned Bowling Coach Shane Jurgensen joins The Cerebral Cricketer Podcast to break down the real blueprint behind a world-class pace attack.
Shane shares the practical cues he used with elite quicks, how to build speed without overthinking technique, and the hidden "durability rules" that keep fast bowlers on the park.
He also breaks down the behind-the-scenes strategy work, the bowling group meetings, planning fields to "bowl to your strengths", and using decoy setups when bowling to elite batters like Steve Smith and Virat Kohli.
Shane also unpacks the moments that defined that era, including the World Cup final heartbreak (the "15 for 4" moment that felt like the cup was finally theirs), and what tournament cricket teaches you about momentum, luck, and composure.
We discuss:
- The core idea Shane drills into bowlers: "something creates something", how run-up rhythm shapes action, and action shapes power and control
- A simple external-focus hack to unlock extra pace, including the keeper-glove target and what it did for Kyle Jamieson's speed
- The mindset cue Shane gives his bowlers: "stay calm, play savage", and why every ball is a fresh event
- Why many fast bowlers break down, and the "30% rule" Shane used for Test prep (plus how he monitored workloads across NZ)
- The strength standards behind elite pace, including the squat numbers NZ quicks were hitting, and the forces going through the body at landing
- Prehab habits Shane rates (therabands, medicine ball work) and why they matter for both body and mind
Timestamps
00:00:00 Intro, building a world-class pace attack
00:04:22 Early influences, why wickets matter more than just economy
00:07:29 Coaching simplification, learning from Merv Hughes
00:13:28 Keeper-glove targeting, the drill that helped Kyle Jamieson find extra pace
00:25:50 Playing journey, emotional control, "stay calm, play savage"
00:31:31 Youth Test story, "7 for 4" and what it taught him
00:33:23 Pura Cup final, 11 wickets, long spells, what those days demanded
00:36:09 Workload and injuries, the "30% rule" for Test intensity
00:50:25 Niggles vs real injury, recovery and warning signs
00:52:18 NZ bowling coach (2008–2010), Bond, Martin, Vettori, video and run-up timing
00:56:23 The Vettori camp, run-up mechanics and timing (heel strike vs toes)
01:04:02 Bangladesh stint, adapting bowling plans to conditions and people
01:21:04 Building analysis for the 2019 World Cup, leadership under Kane Williamson
01:22:48 "Decoy fields" and strategy vs Virat Kohli
01:27:15 Semi-final atmosphere in Manchester, bowling partnerships and roles
01:29:15 World Cup final prep at Lord's, plans vs Roy and Bairstow
01:35:48 The "15 for 4" moment, what coaches feel in that chaos
01:42:59 World Test Championship final, nerves and pressure inside the camp
01:44:36 Facing a 16-year-old Steve Smith, plus Warner and Khawaja memories
01:50:05 "Heavy ball" explained, why some bowlers feel uniquely dangerous
01:52:19 The bowler who impressed him most, Matt Henry, training in high-intensity blocks
01:53:13 Why Tom Blundell deserved more white-ball chances
01:54:24 Wrap up, patience, process, and winning over time
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Afghanistan's newly appointed batting coach Toby Radford joins The Cerebral Cricketer fresh off a win in Dubai, straight after a fast turnaround from the Bangladesh Premier League.
In this episode, Toby breaks down what he looks for in elite batting across formats, from T20 game awareness and middle overs planning, to the technical "non negotiables" he believes most world class players share.
We go deep on alignment, balance, triggers, playing late, soft hands, and the small details that can be the difference between being slightly out of form and back in rhythm.
We also get practical on how those ideas translate in the nets and in match scenarios, Toby talks through the "option + execution" test he uses for every shot, and why T20 scoring can still come from proper cricket shots and low risk areas rather than slogging.
What you'll learn
How franchise coaching differs from international and county setups, what actually gets coached when players are in and out quickly
T20 batting on slow turners vs true wickets, how to maximise the new ball and survive the middle overs
"Option + execution", Toby's simple framework for every shot selection decision
The alignment blueprint, head over feet, hands close, and why so many dismissals start with posture and early movement
Triggers that work, triggers that ruin your setup, and how timing your movement changes everything
Playing late drills, including a simple machine setup that forces better timing and control
Toby Radford is a former first class cricketer for Middlesex and Sussex, who later became Head Coach at Middlesex and Head Coach at Glamorgan.
He has worked internationally as West Indies batting coach, then held senior development roles as Head of High Performance at the Bangladesh Cricket Board and Batting Coach at the Pakistan Cricket Board High Performance Centre.
He has been the Head Coach of Dhaka Capitals and has been appointed Afghanistan's batting coach.
Timestamps
0:00 Intro
0:04 Toby's Afghanistan appointment
0:59 BPL to Dubai turnaround, win vs West Indies
1:34 Franchise cricket pace, what gets coached early
11:13 Option + execution, shot selection framework
15:14 Alignment, the straight line concept
17:19 Balance, head over feet, 60/40 weight cue
18:19 Stance width, white ball vs red ball setups
19:55 Foot movement, head goes first
21:18 Playing late drill, bowling machine setup
23:08 Unorthodox players, still the same fundamentals
27:11 Saif Hassan case study, balance at ball release
33:39 Trigger movement, timing, keep it minimal
38:04 Backlift and toe position, slower vs bouncier pitches
39:59 Coaching the short ball, what good looks like
41:56 Soft hands vs hard hands, shifting gears
45:33 Underrated batters to watch
48:57 Wrap up -
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 -
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
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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
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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
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NSW future star William Salzmann joins The Cerebral Cricketer to unpack the mind behind his batting.
From coming through the NSW pathway and U19 World Cup, to opening the batting for the Blues and scoring big runs, Salzmann takes us inside his batting philosophy, how he builds his game around strong defence, and what his mental routines actually look like in the middle.
We dig into how he rewired his self talk, deals with negative thoughts after a mistake, and gets back into flow state ball by ball.
He shares how he plans an innings, his between ball routines, the cues he uses at the crease, and the role of coaches, mentors and senior players in shaping his mindset.
We also have some fun picking an underdog Ashes side, talking about facing quality bowling, and what it really takes to turn promise into a long career.
If you are a young batter, an all rounder, a coach, or just love the mental side of cricket, this one is packed with practical insights you can steal for your own game.
Timestamps
0:00 Introduction
1:30 Navigating Injuries
5:00 Opening the batting with dad
07:00 Cricket as a Child
14:00 Coaching from Neil D'Costa
25:00 Adjustments when opening the batting
33:00 How top batsmen stay present
44:00 How to Use Breathwork as a Batsman
46:00 Negative self talk
56:00 Do some batsmen not feel fear?
1:01:00 Coming in at 5/23
1:05:00 Green shield vs Sam konstas
1:10:00 Age group carnival
1:12:00 U19 WC
1:18:00 Debut for NSW
1:23:00 5/23 and scoring a 100
1:26:00 NSW Debut at the WACA
1:31:00 Fantasy Draft - Best Ashes T20 XI
1:52:00 Wrapping Up
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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
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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
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