The Cricket Mind Podcast explores the mindset, psychology, and decision-making behind high performance in cricket. Hosted by Nathan Wood and Briony Brock from Cricket Mind Online, each episode breaks down the mental skills that help players focus, perform, and succeed under pressure. With insights from sport psychology, coaching experience, and real conversations with cricketers and high-performance experts, Nathan and Briony share practical tools to improve confidence, concentration, emotional control, performance routines, and match awareness. You’ll learn how to train your mind with the same intention as your technique — and apply strategies that create consistency, resilience, and clear decision-making. Whether you’re a player aiming to make more impact, a coach developing young cricketers, or a parent supporting your child’s journey, this podcast gives you simple, actionable methods to enhance performance and enjoy the game more. Play the way you see it. Learn more at www.cricketmind.online
Why does India continue to produce so many outstanding cricketers — and what can young players and coaches in England learn from the Indian approach? In this episode of The Cricket Mind Podcast , Nathan Wood and Briony Brock are joined by former Indian first-class cricketer Raj Chaudhuri , founder of the First Class Cricket Academy in Sussex. Raj reflects on growing up within India’s fiercely competitive cricket culture, where young players learned through street cricket, high-volume practice and exposure to older, stronger opponents. He also explores the differences between developing players in India and England — from talent identification and coaching standards to playing surfaces, junior formats and attitudes towards winning. The conversation also examines Raj’s philosophy of confidence through competence : building genuine self-belief through strong fundamentals, repetition and the ability to perform skills consistently under pressure. In this episode: Raj’s journey from street cricket in India to first-class cricket and coaching in England The influence of Sunil Gavaskar and MS Dhoni on Indian cricket Why young Indian players regularly train and compete alongside older players India’s uncompromising approach to talent identification The role of repetition, volume and strong fundamentals in player development Raj’s first experience of English club cricket — and the culture shock it created The strengths and weaknesses of cricket development in India and England Why junior playing conditions can influence which players receive recognition What Raj means by confidence through competence What young players can learn from Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul Timestamps 00:00 – Why does India produce so many great cricketers? 01:56 – Raj’s journey from street cricket to first-class cricket 06:32 – India’s ruthless approach to selection and talent identification 16:25 – Street cricket, Sunil Gavaskar and MS Dhoni’s influence 20:25 – How Indian academies test commitment and character 23:00 – Raj’s culture shock playing club cricket in England 30:26 – How coaching and practice differ between India and England 39:10 – What Indian and English cricket can learn from each other 41:04 – Building confidence through competence 42:57 – What young cricketers can learn from India’s best players Find out more about the First Class Cricket Academy Raj is the founder of the First Class Cricket Academy, which provides cricket coaching and player-development opportunities in Sussex. Website: www.fccaltd.co.uk Become a Cricket Mind Coach Partner Are you a cricket coach interested in offering your players access to specialist mental-performance support? The Cricket Mind Coach Partner Programme enables coaches and academies to partner with Cricket Mind Online and provide additional support to the players and families they work with. Find out more: www.cricketmind.online/coach-partner-programme Connect with Cricket Mind Online Website: www.cricketmind.online Email: info@cricketmind.online Instagram: @cricket.mind.online Facebook: cricket.mind.online YouTube: @cricket.mind.online Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to The Cricket Mind Podcast , leave us a rating and review, and share the episode with a player, parent or coach who may find it useful.
A duck can feel much bigger than it looks on a scorecard. In this episode of the Cricket Mind Podcast, Nathan Wood and Briony Brock answer real questions from parents of young cricketers: what to say after another duck, how to help when a child puts huge pressure on themselves, and how to support them through the inevitable highs and lows of the game. They discuss how parents can be a steady source of support without accidentally making cricket feel heavier — whether that means handling difficult emotions, navigating trials, or balancing the roles of parent, coach, manager or umpire. In this episode: What to say — and what not to say — when your child gets out for nought Why cricket can feel so individual, even though it is a team sport How Play-Cricket, statistics and comparison can add pressure How to support a child who puts huge pressure on themselves What to do when emotions spill over after a poor performance How to help a young player approach cricket trials with more clarity The challenges of being a parent as well as a coach, manager or umpire Why your child does not need you to be perfect — but does need to know you are on their side Timestamps 00:00 — Supporting young cricketers: the questions parents ask 02:58 — What should you say when your child gets a duck? 05:50 — Why cricket feels so individual 14:20 — When your child puts huge pressure on themselves 21:01 — Anger, tears and meltdowns after poor performances 30:19 — Supporting a child at cricket trials 35:55 — Being a parent, coach, manager or umpire 45:44 — Preparing for Trials Workshop If you have found this episode helpful, please subscribe to the Cricket Mind Podcast so you do not miss future episodes. And, if you have a moment, a rating and review on your podcast app makes a huge difference in helping more players, parents and coaches find the show. For more support for players, parents and coaches, visit: https://cricketmind.online Find out more about our upcoming live workshops: https://cricketmind.online/coaching-events/ Follow Cricket Mind Online: Instagram: @cricket.mind.online Facebook: cricket.mind.online YouTube: cricket.mind.online
What helps some young cricketers grow through adversity while others become stuck? Why do some players lose confidence after a setback, while others use it as a catalyst for improvement? In this episode of the Cricket Mind Podcast, Nathan Wood is joined by Faisal Shahid, Academy Manager for Warwickshire Women, to explore the psychology of long-term player development. Drawing on his experiences as an England U17 player, MCC Young Cricketer, professional cricketer and high-performance coach, Faisal shares his insights on confidence, resilience, motivation, identity and the ability to "survive bad days". Whether you're a player, parent or coach, this conversation is packed with practical lessons to help young cricketers navigate setbacks, maintain motivation and continue developing through the ups and downs of the game. In this episode: • What long-term development actually looks like • Why confidence is about surviving bad days • The dangers of becoming obsessed with outcomes • How setbacks can become opportunities for growth • Why some players thrive through adversity while others struggle • The role parents play in shaping confidence • How to balance ambition with enjoyment • Why identity and performance should remain separate • What boys' and girls' cricket can learn from each other • The biggest myths in youth cricket ⏱️ Timestamps ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 02:41 – Long-Term Player Development 12:37 – Confidence and Surviving Bad Days 21:47 – Setbacks, Adversity and Resilience 34:09 – Motivation and Enjoyment 45:43 – Identity and Performance 48:44 – Coaching Boys and Girls 53:27 – Quickfire Questions ⭐ Enjoying the Cricket Mind Podcast? Please subscribe to the show, leave a rating and review, and share this episode with a player, parent or coach who you think might find it helpful. 🏏 Supporting Young Cricketers Workshop Cricket Mind Online is hosting an online workshop for cricket parents on Tuesday 16th June at 7pm. The workshop will explore practical ways parents can support confidence, resilience, enjoyment, motivation and long-term development in young cricketers. Book your place here: https://cricketmind.online/supporting-young-cricketers-workshop/ 🔗 Connect with Cricket Mind Online Website: www.cricketmind.online Email: info@cricketmind.online Instagram: @cricket.mind.online Facebook: cricket.mind.online YouTube: @cricket.mind.online
Why do so many talented young cricketers stop enjoying the game? And do players really need to be in a talent pathway from a young age to have a realistic chance of becoming a professional cricketer? In this episode of The Cricket Mind Podcast, Nathan Wood and Briony Brock are joined by ECB Level 4 coach and coach developer Ben Silver for an honest conversation about talent pathways, cricket trials, player development, coaching overload, and what actually helps young cricketers improve over the long term. Ben has worked across county cricket, England pathways, ECB Disability Cricket, and high-performance coaching — giving him a unique perspective on what coaches and selectors really look for, why some players thrive while others burn out, and how young cricketers can develop without losing their enjoyment of the game. Alongside this, Ben also works with Cricket Mind Online as a high-performance coach, helping players optimise the quality of their training and practice routines. In this episode: What selectors actually look for in cricket trials Why “high ceiling” players stand out The truth about county age-group pathways Whether players need early pathway selection to succeed Why some talented players stop enjoying cricket Coaching overload and social media cricket advice The importance of messy practice and game-based learning Why player development is rarely linear What parents should really focus on Timestamps: 00:00 — Jimmy Anderson and the Lancashire U15 “B” team 02:05 — Introducing Ben Silver 03:17 — What coaches and selectors look for at trials 07:33 — Risk vs reward during cricket trials 11:13 — Confidence, bravery and coachability 16:35 — Do players need to be in talent pathways early? 22:57 — Why some talented players stop enjoying cricket 34:38 — Are young cricketers being over-coached? 42:42 — Long-term development vs short-term winning 55:58 — What “messy practice” actually means 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and all major podcast platforms. 🏏 Learn more about Cricket Mind Online: www.cricketmind.online 📩 Get in touch: info@cricketmind.online 📱 Follow Cricket Mind Online: Instagram: @cricket.mind.online YouTube: @cricket.mind.podcast • • Facebook: cricket.mind.online
Why do some players stay in cricket for years… while others quietly drift away? In this episode of The Cricket Mind Podcast, Nathan Wood and Briony Brock are joined by coach Laura de Silva and player Charlotte Bernstein for a powerful conversation about confidence, pressure, enjoyment, and the environments that keep players coming back. This episode offers a unique perspective from both sides of the same environment — a coach working to build meaningful relationships and supportive cultures, and a young player experiencing those environments firsthand. The conversation explores girls’ cricket, but the lessons apply across the game for players, parents and coaches alike. In This Episode: Why players really drop out of cricket The importance of confidence and enjoyment Why “unlucky” is banned in Laura’s coaching environments Building strong coach–player relationships Pressure, expectations and performance The difference between boys’ and girls’ cricket environments How coaches can create environments players want to return to Why support matters more than frustration Managing cricket alongside GCSEs, school and life The role friendships play in long-term engagement Why great environments help players perform better Timestamps: 00:00 – Are we still losing too many players from cricket? 01:01 – Introducing Laura de Silva & Charlotte Bernstein 02:56 – What makes players want to keep turning up? 06:01 – What great coaches do differently 14:11 – What makes a strong coach–player relationship? 22:44 – Building real confidence in players 27:32 – Why “unlucky” is banned 30:06 – Pressure, expectations and performance 38:15 – Have you ever thought about quitting cricket? 45:06 – Why there still aren’t enough female coaches in cricket 🌐 Website: Cricket Mind Online 📩 Get in touch: Email: info@cricketmind.online 📱 Follow Cricket Mind Online: Instagram: @cricket.mind.online YouTube: @cricket.mind.online TikTok: @cricket.mind.online If you enjoyed the episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another player, parent or coach involved in the game.
Why do so many cricketers perform well in nets… but struggle in matches? In this episode of The Cricket Mind Podcast , Nathan Wood and Briony Brock answer listener questions around early-season performance struggles — from confidence and expectations to training that doesn’t transfer into games. If you’ve ever felt like you’ve “gone backwards” despite a strong winter, this episode will help you understand why — and what to do about it. In this episode: Why how you feel before batting doesn’t predict performance The real reason nets don’t transfer into matches Why early-season struggles are completely normal How chasing past performances can hold you back How to respond to a poor team performance as a coach Why run outs are so common early season (and how to fix it) ⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Intro – Are players training the wrong way? 01:13 Should you trust how you feel before batting? 03:57 Nets vs matches – why it feels different 07:30 “I’ve gone backwards after scoring a 50” 12:16 Coaching after a poor team performance 18:13 Why run outs happen early season 27:20 Outro & listener questions 📩 Get in touch Got a question for a future episode? Send it in via: 📸 Instagram: @cricket.mind.online 📘 Facebook: @cricket.mind.online 🌐 Website: https://www.cricketmind.online 📧 Email: nathan@cricketmind.online
Why is wicketkeeping often described as a “dark art”… and why is there nowhere to hide when things go wrong? 🎙️ Episode Summary In this episode of The Cricket Mind Podcast, Nathan Wood and Briony Brock are joined by Lancashire cricketer Ellie Threlkeld to explore the mental demands of wicketkeeping. Ellie shares her experiences of keeping and captaining at the highest level — from managing concentration and decision-making to dealing with mistakes and supporting young wicketkeepers. This is a must-listen for players, coaches and parents looking to better understand one of the most unique roles in cricket. In this episode: Why wicketkeeping is often misunderstood The mental demands of being involved in every ball Managing concentration during “silent periods” in games Why wicketkeeping is mentally more draining than it looks How to respond to mistakes and avoid things snowballing The balance between instinct and technical thinking Leadership challenges as a wicketkeeper-captain How psychology influences performance and team culture Practical advice for coaches working with young keepers Simple ways parents can support developing wicketkeepers ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Chris Scott, Brian Lara and “nowhere to hide” 01:18 – Introducing Ellie Threlkeld 02:05 – The “dark art” of wicketkeeping explained 07:21 – What people don’t see (and don’t appreciate) 08:30 – Managing concentration ball-to-ball 11:10 – Why wicketkeeping is mentally draining 13:47 – The isolation of being a wicketkeeper 22:17 – Dealing with mistakes and resetting 30:48 – Pre-ball routines and staying present 40:12 – Ellie’s psychology journey and leadership 51:28 – How coaches can support wicketkeepers 56:10 – Ellie’s advice for young wicketkeepers 🔗 Get in touch 🌐 Website: www.cricketmind.online 📧 Email: nathan@cricketmind.online 📱 Instagram: cricket.mind.online 📘 Facebook: cricket.mind.online 🎧 Enjoying the podcast? If you enjoyed this episode, make sure you subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes — and please leave a rating or review to help more players, coaches and parents find the show.
Spin bowling in England is in trouble — so what actually needs to change? In this episode of The Cricket Mind Podcast , we’re joined by former Kent and Nottinghamshire spinner and leading coach Rob Ferley. We explore why spin bowling is struggling in England, what makes a spinner effective in matches (not just in nets), and how coaching, environments, and captaincy all shape development. Rob also shares his thinking behind Square One Cricket — a new initiative aiming to rethink how players learn and progress in the game. In this episode: What actually makes a good spinner (beyond technique) The psychological challenges spinners face — and why they’re often misunderstood Why spinners struggle to transfer performance from nets to matches How captains can get more (or less) out of their spinners What we’re getting right — and wrong — in coaching spin Practical advice for young spinners looking to improve Inside Square One Cricket and its vision for the future Timestamps 00:00 – Spin bowling in England is “in a bit of a pickle" 00:42 – Introducing Rob Ferley 04:24 – What makes a good spinner? 08:14 – Progression, passion, and development environments 18:49 – Psychological challenges of spin & managing pressure 23:58 – Getting hit as a spinner: thoughts, feelings, behaviour 27:38 – Do captains get the best out of spinners? 40:17 – How should we coach and develop young spinners? 49:52 – The art vs science of spin bowling 55:22 – Square One Cricket: concept and vision 🔗 Get in touch / Links 🌐 Website: https://www.cricketmind.online 📩 Email: nathan@cricketmind.online 📱 Instagram: cricket.mind.online Square One Cricket: https://squareoneeducation.co.uk 🎧 Enjoyed the episode? If you found this helpful, make sure you subscribe to The Cricket Mind Podcast and leave a rating or review — it really helps us grow and reach more players, parents, and coaches.
The journey through cricket is rarely straightforward. In this episode of The Cricket Mind Podcast , Nathan Wood and Briony Brock speak to Cheshire-based all-rounder and Loughborough student Rohan Luthra , who is currently finding his way through the game. Rohan is studying at Loughborough University and has recently had a taste of Cheshire 1st XI cricket, as he looks to establish himself at that level. From early success and setbacks to playing across different environments — including time spent training in India — this is an honest conversation about what it takes to keep improving in the game. In this episode: What progression in cricket really looks like Learning from early success and setbacks The experience of stepping into senior cricket Adapting across different teams and environments Lessons from training and playing in India Understanding performance beyond just results Managing confidence and expectations The realities of developing as a young cricketer Chapters 00:00 – Breaking through: pressure & reality 01:01 – Early journey: Loughborough, Cheshire & first-team exposure 03:39 – Early success & chasing a “formula” 06:42 – Setbacks, deselection & proving yourself 17:15 – Ambition, progression & long-term thinking 27:20 – Stepping into Cheshire first team cricket 31:56 – Life as a club pro: pressure, expectations & performance 44:42 – Learning from the top: India Test team experience 53:33 – Training in India: volume, repetition & development 59:54 – Managing performance, mindset & multiple team 01:09:14 – Advice for young players & final reflections Enjoying the podcast? If you’re finding these episodes useful: Follow / Subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes Leave a rating and review — it really helps more people find the show Get in touch / Send in your questions We’d love to hear from you: 🌐 www.cricketmind.online 📧 nathan@cricketmind.online 📸 Instagram: @cricket.mind.online 📘 Facebook: /cricket.mind.online 🎧 Next episode Former Kent spinner and Level 4 coach Rob Ferley joins us to talk all things spin — from technique and mindset to how to coach and captain spin bowlers.
Why does one bad innings ruin your whole week? In this episode of the Cricket Mind Podcast, Nathan Wood and Briony Brock answer listener questions from players, parents and coaches — exploring why mistakes feel so heavy, and how to handle them better. From the pressure of public stats to the emotional fallout of getting out, this episode tackles some of the most common — and challenging — moments in cricket. The conversation covers: The pressure of public stats and feeling judged What coaches should (and shouldn’t) say after mistakes Supporting young players through frustration and disappointment Managing conflicting advice from multiple coaches Helping children transition from softball to hardball cricket A practical, honest discussion to help you think differently about performance, development, and the environments we create around the game. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Opening hook 00:20 – Introduction 01:03 – Q1: Feeling judged by public stats (Play Cricket) 09:10 – Q2: How coaches should respond to mistakes 14:23 – Q3: Managing emotions after getting out 20:55 – Q4: Conflicting advice from multiple coaches 30:09 – Q5: Fear of hardball cricket in young players 38:00 – Reflections on fear & transition to hardball 38:44 – Episode wrap-up begins 39:00 – Next episode preview (Rohan Luthra) 🔗 Follow & Connect 🌐 www.cricketmind.online 📧 nathan@cricketmind.online 📱 Instagram: @cricket.mind.online 📱 Facebook: @cricket.mind.online ⭐ Enjoying the podcast? If you found this episode helpful, make sure you’re following the show on your preferred platform so you don’t miss future episodes. And if you’re able to leave a quick rating and review, it really helps more people find the podcast.
Why do good fielders still drop simple catches? In this episode of The Cricket Mind Podcast, Nathan Wood is joined by Paul Tweddle, Assistant Coach and Fielding Coach at Somerset CCC, to explore why fielding mistakes happen — even at the top level — and what players can do about them. From the psychology of dropped catches to the habits and training methods used in professional cricket, this episode breaks down what separates reliable fielders from inconsistent ones. Episode Chapters 00:00 A dropped catch and the psychology of fielding 01:49 Introducing Paul Tweddle 05:19 Why fielding mistakes affect confidence 08:49 Fundamentals vs mindset in fielding 12:46 What elite fielders do differently 17:56 Communication and energy in the field 23:57 Fielding culture in professional teams 31:31 How professional teams train fielding 40:46 Can anyone become a good fielder? 53:50 Fielding and selection in the modern game 58:47 The future of fielding Online Workshop – Making Pre-Season Count If you’re a young cricketer preparing for the upcoming season , we’re running an online workshop designed to help players prepare properly for the year ahead. Making Pre-Season Count is a one-hour session covering: • How to structure your pre-season training • How to prepare mentally for the season ahead • How to build confidence before your first match 🎟 Places cost £25 Book your place here: www.cricketmind.online/events Send Us Your Questions Next week Briony Brock returns to the podcast and we’ll be answering listener questions . If there’s something you’d like us to discuss on the show, you can send your questions via: Website: www.cricketmind.online Email: nathan@cricketmind.online Instagram: @cricket.mind.online Facebook: @cricket.mind.online Subscribe to The Cricket Mind Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast and leaving a rating or review on your podcast platform. It helps more players, coaches and parents discover the show.
How do we keep more girls playing cricket — and what actually works? In this episode of The Cricket Mind Podcast , Nathan Wood and Briony Brock are joined by former England international cricketer and coach Laura MacLeod . Laura represented England for over a decade and was part of the 2005 Ashes-winning squad . Since retiring she has held senior leadership roles in the women’s game, including Head of Women’s Cricket at Warwickshire . In this wide-ranging conversation, we explore: Why girls often drop out of sport in their teenage years The challenges of transitioning from softball to hardball cricket How clubs can genuinely prioritise girls’ cricket The realities of coaching in the professional women’s game What Laura’s research revealed about female coaching pathways This episode is essential listening for players, parents, coaches and anyone interested in the future of women’s cricket. Timestamps 00:00 – Why girls drop out of sport 01:17 – Introducing Laura MacLeod 02:23 – Laura’s England debut in 1997 06:48 – From pace bowler to opening batter 14:13 – Growth and professionalisation of women’s cricket 20:45 – Balancing cricket careers with education and life after sport 26:55 – Helping girls transition from softball to hardball 31:04 – Keeping cricket fun in performance environments 34:06 – Softball vs hardball pathways in club cricket 39:05 – Challenges women face in cricket that aren’t often discussed 47:32 – What great clubs do differently for girls’ cricket 55:05 – Laura’s research on female coaches in professional sport 01:07:14 – Advice for women aspiring to coach 01:10:34 – Identity and life beyond elite cricket 01:16:30 – The future of women’s cricket 01:21:34 – Online workshop: Making Cricket Pre-Season Count Workshop: Making Cricket Pre-Season Count Nathan, Briony and Ben Silver are hosting a live online workshop for ambitious cricketers aged 13–18 preparing for the upcoming season. In this session players will learn: • How to structure nets with purpose • How practice transfers into match performance • How to approach pre-season with clarity rather than guesswork • Practical actions to improve their training immediately The session also includes a live Q&A where players can ask their own questions. 👉 Book your place here: www.cricketmind.online/events
In this episode of The Cricket Mind Podcast , we’re joined by performance psychologist and former Head of Coach Development at the ECB, John Neal. We explore the difference between personality and character — and why that distinction matters so much in cricket. From young players navigating selection, to parents shaping development, to captains and coaches leading under pressure — this is a conversation about values, behaviour and sustainable performance. We also unpack John’s powerful phrase: “ego kills eco” — and what that means for teams, organisations and the long-term health of the game. If you care about developing better cricketers and better leaders, this one’s for you. ⏱ Timestamps 00:03 – Pulp Fiction 01:06 – Introducing John Neal 01:45 – Formal Guest Welcome 03:20 – Personality vs Character Defined 07:52 – Understanding Your Own Character 13:29 – For Young Players: How Do You Know? 19:51 – Do We Overvalue Personality? 24:14 – Parents & Character Development 28:19 – When a Child Gets Dropped 33:19 – Character in Coaches Under Pressure 38:22 – “Ego Kills Eco” Explained 46:35 – Do Organisations Really Have Values? 56:46 – Quick Fire: Character Defined 58:35 – The Uncomfortable Truth About Modern Sport 59:50 – Closing Reflections 1:00:14 – Independent Professional Sports Coach Association 1:02:14 – Episode Close & Next Week Preview 📩 Get In Touch If this episode sparked a thought or question, we’d love to hear from you: 📧 nathan@cricketmind.online 🌐 www.cricketmind.online 📘 Facebook: cricket.mind.online 📸 Instagram: cricket.mind.online And if you’re enjoying the podcast, please do take 30 seconds to rate and review the show — it really helps us spread the word.
Why do some cricketers look brilliant in the nets — but struggle to perform in matches? In this solo episode, Nathan Wood explores one of the most common frustrations in the game: the gap between training performance and match performance. You’ll learn: Why nets and matches demand different skills Why “more nets” isn’t always the solution How to train decision-making under pressure The difference between fragile and resilient confidence How environment shapes sporting resilience Whether you’re a teenage cricketer, a parent navigating confidence dips, or a coach wanting training to transfer into real performance — this episode is for you. Send In Your Questions If you’d like your question answered on the podcast: 🌐 www.cricketmind.online 📧 nathan@cricketmind.online 📘 Facebook: @cricket.mind.online 📸 Instagram: @cricket.mind.online We read every message — and these episodes are shaped by what you’re actually experiencing.
How do good batters actually think, train and perform under pressure? In this episode of The Cricket Mind Podcast , Nathan Wood and Briony Brock are joined by World Cup-winning coach Alastair Maiden to explore how batting philosophy shapes performance in cricket. Ali has coached across county cricket, England Women’s international cricket (including the 2017 World Cup win), and franchise cricket with Birmingham Phoenix. This is a deep, practical conversation on how batters really develop — technically, mentally and culturally.In This Episode Individual difference in batting Naturalness, rhythm and flow Managing expectation and pressure Coaching men vs women Talent ID beyond averages Competitiveness vs statistics Developing batters through game-based training Why young players should start with the bat on the floor Plus listener questions on: Steve Smith’s pre-ball routine Whether it’s possible to “make it” without financial backing Timestamps 00:00 – Why Batting Is So Complex 02:00 – Alastair Maiden’s Coaching Journey 08:00 – Playing Career & Turning to Coaching 14:30 – Individual Difference in Batting 23:00 – Coaching Men vs Women 29:30 – The Mental Demands of Batting 41:00 – Positive Intent & “Green Light” Running 52:00 – Training with Context 54:30 – Talent ID & What Stands Out 57:30 – Competitors vs Achievers 1:01:00 – Advice for Young Batters 1:03:00 – “Bat on the Floor” Coaching Philosophy 1:07:00 – Listener Question: Making It Without Money 1:09:45 – Listener Question: Steve Smith’s Routine 1:12:00 – Closing Thoughts Got a question or topic idea? We love hearing from listeners. Email: nathan@cricketmind.online Website: https://www.cricketmind.online Connect with Cricket Mind Online Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cricket.mind.online/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cricket.mind.online/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-wood-coaching/
Why is fast bowling so brutal — and why do so many fast bowlers break down? In this episode of The Cricket Mind Podcast , Nathan Wood and Briony Brock are joined by Ian Pont, founder of the National Fast Bowling Academy (NFBA), to explore the physical, technical and mental demands of fast bowling in cricket. Drawing on decades of experience as a former professional fast bowler, international coach and biomechanical specialist, Ian explains why pace alone isn’t enough — and how poor preparation, overload and technique issues often lead to injury. In this episode: Why fast bowling breaks so many bodies The difference between bowling fast and bowling well How technique and workload contribute to injury risk Why fast bowlers need specialist coaching environments The mental demands unique to fast bowlers When chasing pace helps — and when it hurts How parents and coaches can better support young players ⏱️ Episode Chapters & Timestamps 00:00 Listener questions: mindset support & training volume 05:16 Introducing Ian Pont 07:00 The cricket ball throwing record 11:00 How Ian’s playing career shaped his coaching philosophy 17:30 Style vs structure in fast bowling 22:00 The brutal physical demands of fast bowling 29:00 Why fast bowlers need specialist preparation 33:00 Why the National Fast Bowling Academy exists 43:30 The mental demands of fast bowling 54:30 Visualisation, confidence & pressure moments 1:06:30 Chasing pace vs longevity 1:13:00 Advice for young fast bowlers 1:19:30 Learning more about the NFBA 🔗 Useful Links National Fast Bowling Academy (NFBA) https://www.nfbacricket.com Cricket Mind Online https://www.cricketmind.online 📩 Questions or topic ideas? Email: nathan@cricketmind.online 📱 Connect with Cricket Mind Online Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cricket.mind.online/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cricket.mind.online/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-wood-coaching/
Why do some players struggle to let go of a mistake? In this episode of The Cricket Mind Podcast, Nathan Wood and Briony Brock explore why mistakes can linger in your mind — and what actually helps you reset and move on. Drawing on real examples from junior cricket through to the professional game, this episode looks at: • Why resilience is about recovery, not pretending you’re fine • The difference between strength and emotional adaptability • How unprocessed emotions show up later as anger, fear, or loss of confidence • Why crying and anger are signals, not weaknesses • How boys and girls are often taught resilience differently • What coaches and parents can do to support resilience without blocking it • How long resilience takes to develop — and what progress actually looks like This is a practical, honest conversation for players, parents, and coaches who want to help cricketers recover better from mistakes, pressure, and disappointment — both on and off the field. Send in your questions or topic ideas for future episodes: 🌐 Website: https://www.cricketmind.online 📧 Email: nathan@cricketmind.online 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cricket.mind.online/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cricket.mind.online 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-wood-coaching/
What does the Ashes teach us about mindset, technique and performing under pressure in cricket? In this first episode of The Cricket Mind Podcast , Nathan Wood and Briony Brock explore why cricket is such a uniquely mental game — and why an over-focus on technique can sometimes hold players back. Using insights from the Ashes, they unpack how mindset shapes performance at every level, from junior cricket to the international stage, and what players, parents and coaches can learn about preparation, adaptability and handling pressure. In this episode: Why cricket places unique psychological demands on players When technique helps — and when it holds players back The pressures facing young cricketers in modern systems Confidence, resilience and independent thinking Self-talk, visualisation and common mental traps Lessons from the Ashes: adaptability, leadership and preparation Who this is for Players, parents and coaches who want to understand performance in cricket beyond technique alone — and help cricketers think, prepare and perform more effectively.
Welcome to The Cricket Mind Podcast. This short trailer introduces a podcast focused on the mental, tactical, and human side of cricket — through honest, long-form conversations rather than soundbites or slogans. Hosted by Nathan Wood (ex Lancashire cricketer, former Head of Coach Development for England Cricket, and ECB Level 4 coach), alongside Briony Brock (mindset coach and current player), the podcast explores the challenges cricketers at all levels face. From managing nerves and pressure, to responding to mistakes and performing with freedom, the conversations are practical, grounded, and rooted in real experience. There’s no jargon, no judgement, and no hype. Just clear thinking, useful tools, and thoughtful discussion designed to help players, coaches, and parents better understand the mental side of the game. Subscribe now — with full episodes coming soon.
