Cricket Mind Podcast

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.⏱ Timestamps00:03 – Pulp Fiction01:06 – Introducing John Neal01:45 – Formal Guest Welcome03:20 – Personality vs Character Defined07:52 – Understanding Your Own Character13:29 – For Young Players: How Do You Know?19:51 – Do We Overvalue Personality?24:14 – Parents & Character Development28:19 – When a Child Gets Dropped33:19 – Character in Coaches Under Pressure38:22 – “Ego Kills Eco” Explained46:35 – Do Organisations Really Have Values?56:46 – Quick Fire: Character Defined58:35 – The Uncomfortable Truth About Modern Sport59:50 – Closing Reflections1:00:14 – Independent Professional Sports Coach Association1:02:14 – Episode Close & Next Week Preview📩 Get In TouchIf 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.onlineAnd 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 skillsWhy “more nets” isn’t always the solutionHow to train decision-making under pressureThe difference between fragile and resilient confidenceHow environment shapes sporting resilienceWhether 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 QuestionsIf you’d like your question answered on the podcast:🌐 www.cricketmind.online📧 nathan@cricketmind.online📘 Facebook: @cricket.mind.online📸 Instagram: @cricket.mind.onlineWe read every message — and these episodes are shaped by what you’re actually experiencing.

Episode 4 – Batting Philosophy with Alastair MaidenBatting is the most scrutinised skill in cricket.In this episode of The Cricket Mind Podcast, Nathan Wood and Briony Brock are joined by World Cup-winning coach Alastair Maiden to explore the art, science and psychology of batting.Ali has coached across county cricket, England Women’s international cricket (including the 2017 World Cup win), and franchise cricket with Birmingham Phoenix.This conversation goes deep into how batters really develop — technically, mentally and culturally.In This EpisodeIndividual difference in battingNaturalness, rhythm and flowManaging expectation and pressureCoaching men vs womenTalent ID beyond averagesCompetitiveness vs statisticsDeveloping batters through game-based trainingWhy young players should start with the bat on the floorPlus listener questions on:Steve Smith’s pre-ball routineWhether it’s possible to “make it” without financial backingTimestamps00:00 – Why Batting Is So Complex02:00 – Alastair Maiden’s Coaching Journey08:00 – Playing Career & Turning to Coaching14:30 – Individual Difference in Batting23:00 – Coaching Men vs Women29:30 – The Mental Demands of Batting41:00 – Positive Intent & “Green Light” Running52:00 – Training with Context54:30 – Talent ID & What Stands Out57:30 – Competitors vs Achievers1:01:00 – Advice for Young Batters1:03:00 – “Bat on the Floor” Coaching Philosophy1:07:00 – Listener Question: Making It Without Money1:09:45 – Listener Question: Steve Smith’s Routine1:12:00 – Closing ThoughtsGot a question or topic idea?We love hearing from listeners.Email: nathan@cricketmind.onlineWebsite: https://www.cricketmind.onlineConnect with Cricket Mind OnlineInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cricket.mind.online/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cricket.mind.online/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-wood-coaching/

Fast bowling is one of the most brutal roles in sport.The physical demands are extreme. The injury risk is real. And the mental pressure can be relentless — especially for young bowlers trying to find their way.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 what it really takes to survive — and thrive — as a fast bowler.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 why mindset, belief, and intelligent preparation are just as important as speed.Together, they discuss:Why fast bowling breaks so many bodiesThe difference between bowling fast and bowling wellHow poor technique and overload lead to injuryWhy fast bowlers need specialist coaching environmentsThe mental demands unique to fast bowlersHow parents and coaches can better support young playersWhen chasing pace helps — and when it hurtsThis is an essential listen for fast bowlers, parents, coaches, and anyone interested in long-term player development.⏱️ Episode Chapters & Timestamps00:00 Listener questions: mindset support & training volume05:16 Introducing Ian Pont07:00 The cricket ball throwing record11:00 How Ian’s playing career shaped his coaching philosophy17:30 Style vs structure in fast bowling22:00 The brutal physical demands of fast bowling29:00 Why fast bowlers need specialist preparation33:00 Why the National Fast Bowling Academy exists43:30 The mental demands of fast bowling54:30 Visualisation, confidence & pressure moments1:06:30 Chasing pace vs longevity1:13:00 Advice for young fast bowlers1:19:30 Learning more about the NFBA🔗 Useful LinksNational Fast Bowling Academy (NFBA)https://www.nfbacricket.comCricket Mind Onlinehttps://www.cricketmind.online📩 Questions or topic ideas?Email: nathan@cricketmind.online📱 Connect with Cricket Mind OnlineInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cricket.mind.online/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cricket.mind.online/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-wood-coaching/

Resilience is one of the most talked-about qualities in cricket — but also one of the most misunderstood.In Episode 2 of The Cricket Mind Podcast, Nathan Wood and Briony Brock explore what resilience really means in cricket, and why it’s often confused with toughness, stoicism, or simply “cracking 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 likeThis 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/

In this first episode of The Cricket Mind Podcast, Nathan Wood and Briony Brock introduce the podcast and explore why cricket is such a uniquely mental game.They discuss why an obsession with technique can sometimes hold players back, how mindset influences performance at every level, and what the recent Ashes series revealed about preparation, adaptability, and pressure.Topics covered include:• Why cricket places unique psychological demands on players• Technique obsession vs performance mindset• The pressures facing young cricketers in modern systems• Confidence, resilience, and independent thinking• Self-talk, visualisation, and common mental mistakes• Lessons from the Ashes — adaptability, leadership, and preparationThis podcast is for cricketers, parents, and coaches who want to understand performance beyond technique alone.

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.