Today's guest on this episode of Lessons Learnt with the Greats is a true batting technician and one of my favourite teammates, Chris 'Bucky' Rogers. Bucky was a run machine as a left-handed opening batsmen, compiling more than 25,000 runs and 76 centuries at first-class level, not to mention his 25 Tests in the Baggy Green. It's why there is perhaps nobody better to talk batting technique and the mental side of batting than Bucky, who shares the lessons he has learned across his playing and coaching careers. Bucky also shares his experiences with the media, investing and the inspiring people he has met in this fascinating chat. I hope you enjoy it.Episode Rundown02:30 - We start with an honest declaration: Bucky and I didn't see eye-to-eye when we first met but when he returned to the Test team in 2013 we hit it off and became great mates. Here we remember that first meeting before talking about Bucky's career highlights.12:45 - Bucky then shares his expertise in the art of batting and how he found what worked for him.28:08 - The mental side of batting is just as important as the technical side so here we go in deeper into the methods Bucky used.39:15 - Bucky has been on either side of the media and here he shares his experiences.44:52 - Here we speak about investing and what Bucky would have done differently if he had his time again.50:00 - The mantras and sayings Bucky lives by.55:31 - The inspiring people Bucky has met.59:50 - We finish with Bucky sharing the books that have had the most impact on him. Purchase Winning The Inner Battle Audiobook version now. https://plus.acast.com/s/lessons-learnt-with-the-greats. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Today's guest on Lessons Learnt with the Greats is a true warrior, Andy Bichel. Bic is Australia's most celebrated 12th man but when he got on the park he was a beast of an allrounder. I'll never forget his 2003 World Cup campaign in South Africa, where he played the perfect game against England to bring his country back from the brink twice. There were fewer fitter, stronger fast bowlers than Bic in his time in the game and in this episode he shares his fitness methods, how he captured more than 750 first-class wickets, developed his mental edge and fell in love with coaching. It was a great chat and I hope you enjoy it.Episode Rundown02:50 - We start by talking about Bics' career highlights, from the 2003 World Cup to all the success he has enjoyed with various teams all over the world09:04 - Bic talks about fast bowling and how he needed a mid-match adjustment to get his groove back15:28 - Bic was built out of stone and here he shares how he got to be so durable24:32 - Bic then speaks about the mental side of the game and the advice his uncle gave him39:12 - Here Bic talks about his relationship with the media45:!5 - We then talk about the financial side of life and how Bic has handled the business world52:48 - The mantras Bic lives by1:01:23 - We finish with the inspiring people Bic has met and the books that have had an impact on him Purchase Winning The Inner Battle Audiobook version now. https://plus.acast.com/s/lessons-learnt-with-the-greats. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
During the late 1980s and '90s there was no fast bowler mimicked more in the backyard than today's guest on Lessons Learnt with the Greats, Merv Hughes. Merv was part of the trailblazing group under Allan Border that led Australia out of the doldrums to the top of the world. His aggression, attitude and serious skill led Merv to take 212 Test wickets for his country along with hundreds more for his beloved Victoria. In this episode, Merv talks about his beginnings, the advice that has stuck with him to this day and how he became one of Australia's most successful and revered fast bowlers. I hope you enjoy it.Episode rundown:01:22 - Merv had a brilliant international career and we start by chatting about a couple of his highlights, from taking on the mighty Windies to the historic '89 Ashes series in England07:25 - We then dig into the technical side of fast bowling and what worked for Merv10:02 - Next Merv talks about the mental side of the game and how he developed his mental skills14:37 - We move back to the technical side to discuss what Merv focused on during play19:29 - Merv played a lot of high-level cricket and to do that he had to stay as fit as possible. While he admits he carried a bit of extra weight, Merv explains how he became the hardest trainer in any team he represented25:02 - Here Merv talks about the best version of himself and goes on to talk about how aspiring players are being over-coached at a young age39:50 - Merv has been on both sides of the media and here he shares his experiences of how times have changed47:09 - We next move off the field to how Merv has invested and handled his finances58:53 - Merv shares the mantras he lives by1:04:32 - We finish with the inspiring people Merv has met and the books that have had an impact on him Purchase Winning The Inner Battle Audiobook version now. https://plus.acast.com/s/lessons-learnt-with-the-greats. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Michael Vaughan is today's guest on Lessons Learnt with the Greats, a former England captain, No.1 Test batter in the world and one of the sharpest cricket minds in the game. Vaughany was a master technician with the bat, carving up Australia in the 2002-03 Ashes series and a few years later was the inspirational leader of England's epic 2005 Ashes victory. In this episode, Vaughany shares his brilliant insight into leadership, batting and his endeavours off the field. It's not to be missed for any aspiring captain or batter.Episode Rundown01:08 - We start by discussing India's dramatic series win over Australia, which might have surpassed the 2005 Ashes on the list of great Test match series04:30 - We then move into Vaughany's career highlights, from the 2002-03 Ashes to the epic in 2005 before Michael delves into leadership. I found how Vaughany managed his players and his philosophies on leadership, not to mention some colourful advice from his father, absolutely fascinating28:16 - Vaughany then talks batting and how he discovered his trigger movement and a game he played with himself to stay focused 42:06 - Vaughany talks about how he managed his body during his career and the one thing he wishes he did more45:15 - Here we discuss the mental side of the game and how Vaughany developed his skills51:46 - Vaughany has a unique perspective on the media having been on both sides of the microphone and here he shares his experiences58:35 - We talk about the financial side of life and how a night on the drink with a few of his mates led to Vaughny starting a new business1:07:47 - The mantras Vaughany lives by1:12:52 - We finish with the inspirational people Vaughany has met and the books he would recommend Purchase Winning The Inner Battle Audiobook version now. https://plus.acast.com/s/lessons-learnt-with-the-greats. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Our first guest of 2021 is one of my old teammates and one of the most skilled fast bowlers I have ever played with, Ryan Harris. Ryno came into international cricket late in his career but boy, he didn't waste any time making an impact and helped Australia win the 2013-14 Ashes and the following series in South Africa. Since his retirement in 2015, Ryno has turned his attention towards coaching and on this episode he shares the invaluable lessons he has learnt as a player and a coach. Episode rundown02:58 - We start by talking through Ryno's career highlights, namely the 2013-14 Ashes and 2014 tour of South Africa13:14 - Ryno was a master of his craft and here he explains what worked for him and his technical checklist22:18 - Managing injury is part and parcel of being a fast bowler and here is how Ryno looked after his body30:09 - We then talk about the mental side of the game and how Ryno had to develop and work on his mental skills throughout his career42:13 - Having suffered a number of setbacks in his playing days, Ryno learnt different ways to deals with each challenge48:01 - We discuss how Ryno handled the media and his advice for aspiring players using social media54:20 - Ryno talks about how he has handled his income and what he would change if he had his time over again1:01:20 - Here Ryno talks about the mantra he lives by1:05:56 - The inspiring people Ryno has met1:11:34 - We finish with Ryno discussing his favourite documentaries Purchase Winning The Inner Battle Audiobook version now. https://plus.acast.com/s/lessons-learnt-with-the-greats. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On this episode of Lessons Learnt with the Greats you will hear from six greats – Stephen Fleming, Mike Hussey, Simon Katich, Harbhajan Singh, Dean Jones and Brett Lee – about the mantras they live by and the life lessons they have learnt. One thing I have learnt over the years is that life isn't a fairytale. There are tough times, down times, times when things can go from good to not so good instantly. This happens to people in all walks of life, including the legends of the game who have achieved incredible things.Episode Rundown00:55 - Stephen Fleming04:45 - Mike Hussey08:51 - Simon Katich12:32 - Harbajhan Singh16:39 - Dean Jones25:17 - Brett Lee Purchase Winning The Inner Battle Audiobook version now. https://plus.acast.com/s/lessons-learnt-with-the-greats. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Today is a special episode of Lessons Learnt with the Greats, focusing on the mental side of the game. I've been lucky enough to speak to some of the games greatest players about how they developed their mental skills and what their ultimate mindset looked like. Today we hear from five legends – Shane Warne, Allan Border, Kevin Pietersen, Mike Hussey and AB de Villiers about how they handled the mental aspects of cricket. I hope you enjoy it.Episode Rundown00:56 - Shane Warne09:31 - Allan Border21:35 - Kevin Pietersen30:44 - Mike Hussey38:39 - AB de Villiers Purchase Winning The Inner Battle Audiobook version now. https://plus.acast.com/s/lessons-learnt-with-the-greats. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As Dean Jones is remembered at the MCG today, on Deano’s favourite day of the year, Boxing Day, I give my little tribute to my hero and good friend. I miss him so much but his legacy and impact that he had on so many people around the world will live on forever.Rest In Peace mate.Episode notes03:10 - My favourite memories of Deano04:45 - Deano's most cherished moments for Australia 12:20 - We chat about batting and the skills Deano focused on18:09 - Deano talks through how he became a master of running between the wickets22:45 - The fitness side of the game28:25 - Deano talks about the mental aspect of cricket and his tough initiation 44:55 - How Deano has handled the media50:52 - We chat about wealth generation and the lessons learnt in that area1:03:50 - Deano's mantra for overcoming challenges 1:12:35 - The advice Deano would five his younger self1:21:31 - The influential books Deano has read Purchase Winning The Inner Battle Audiobook version now. https://plus.acast.com/s/lessons-learnt-with-the-greats. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week on Lessons Learnt with the Greats I am lucky enough to chat to another one of my fierce Ashes rivals, Ian Bell. Belly was one of the finest and classiest batsmen I played against, particularly during the 2013 Ashes series in England where we could not get him out!. In our chat we discuss the importance of preparation, finding the right mindset, putting faith in the right people and how to handle the modern traps of a professional athlete. It was truly a privilege to speak to Belly and I hope you get out of it as much as I have.Rundown03:11 - After our introductions we start with Belly's career highlights, which involve two Ashes wins and a memorable series victory in India09:18 - We move to the technical side of the game and discuss batting and how Belly became such a quality player of spin bowling17:18 - Belly was always a fit cricketer and here he reveals the coach that pushed him to another level21:39 - The mental side of cricket is equally as important as the physical, and here Belly explains his mindset and who he learnt from in the England team34:48 - Belly talks about how he handled the media and the dangers social media presents to modern players40:39 - I believe how players manage their wealth is extremely important and Belly shares how he has handled that aspect of life46:44 - The mantra Belly lives by48:40 - How becoming a children's ambassador gave Belly a new perspective50:33 - We finish with the books and documentaries Belly has enjoyed Purchase Winning The Inner Battle Audiobook version now. https://plus.acast.com/s/lessons-learnt-with-the-greats. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Today's guest on Lessons Learnt with the Greats is a rock-solid wcketkeeper, dashing batsman and a wonderful teammate who shared a very similar ride to my own, Brad Haddin. Hadds worked as hard as anyone to become one of Australia's greatest glovemen and played a huge role in the 2013-14 Ashes whitewash and 2015 World Cup triumph. His thoughts on how he sharpened his on-field skills, altered his training regime and switched off mentally are priceless. I hope you enjoy this chat with Hadds.Rundown01:10 - We start by discussing a few standout highlights off Hadds's career, from his hundred in the first Test of the 2010-11 Ashes, to the 2013-15 cleansweep and 2015 World Cup win08:38 - Then we drill into the skills aspects of cricket, starting with wicketkeeping15:36 - Hadds was a brilliant batter in full flight and here we talk about how he did it at his best18:01 - We moving into the fitness regime Hadds used and how it changed over time26:35 - Here he discuss mental skills and how Hadds had a mental toughness from an early age 43:22 - How Hadds handled the media48:03 - We talk about life away from cricket, starting with the lessons Hadds learnt in investment 1:00:36 - The mantra Hadds lives by1:03:20 - The inspiring people Hadds has met1:07:33 - We finish with the best books Hadds has read Purchase Winning The Inner Battle Audiobook version now. https://plus.acast.com/s/lessons-learnt-with-the-greats. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
During his five-year Test career, nobody took more wickets than this week's guest on Lessons Learnt with the Greats, former England spinner Graeme Swann. Swanny was a master of his craft, spinning his country to memorable wins in Australia and India and playing a huge part in England becoming the No.1 Test team in the world. What really impressed me was Swanny's simple yet beautiful perspective on cricket and life and how he mastered off-spin bowling by trusting his gut and learning a secret weapon from an Australian great. It's a wonderful chat with my old Ashes foe and as is always the case with Swanny, there are plenty of laughs. Rundown01:18 - We start by going over some of Swanny's remarkable stats and how managed the pressure of playing at the highest level11:18 - We discuss one of Swanny's career highlights (and lowlights for my Australian team) from the 2010 Adelaide Test 19:45 - Swanny talks off-spin and how he ignored coaching advice 26:48 - Swanny had two cricket goals; take a five-for at Lord's and score a Test century. He achieved one and here we talk about how he'd give up 100 wickets for the other31:55 - We chat fitness and how Swanny's troublesome elbow brought an end to his career38:50 - Swanny talks about the mental side of the game and how he thought slip catching was the ultimate test of concentration46:52 - Here Swanny reveals how an Aussie legend taught him the ball that brought him countless wickets54:19 - Swanny's take on the media on either side of the fence59:12 - We talk finance and what Swanny would have done differently 1:03:42 - Swanny shares his life mantra and the inspiring people he has met1:08:20 - We finish with Swanny sharing his favourite books Purchase Winning The Inner Battle Audiobook version now. https://plus.acast.com/s/lessons-learnt-with-the-greats. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In Part 2, Macca talks about his mindset and how he set lofty goals that put him up there with the greats of the game. We discuss how he dealt with the media (something I wish I had done), how he played the game for love not money before finishing with three of his favourite books and a wonderful story about Mitchell Johnson. I hope you enjoy it. Episode rundown01:00 - We kick off Part 2 by discussing Macca's mindset and what he did to get the best out of himself19:05 - Macca then reveals how he dealt with the media and how he still calls certain journalists friends to this day28:20 - Macca played the game for love not money and shares a brilliant story about Brian Lara and his philosophy on playing the game45:15 - Life doesn't always go to plan and here Macca shares his mantra for getting through the tough times, which he recently picked up from a Disney film47:01 - We finish with Macca talking about the books he loves and the stories behind them Purchase Winning The Inner Battle Audiobook version now. https://plus.acast.com/s/lessons-learnt-with-the-greats. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
One teammate I wish I got to know even better during my playing days was the great Stuart MacGill, this week's guest on Lessons Learnt with the Greats. Macca didn't care about economy rate or average, he cared about taking wickets, which he did at a strike rate few have ever matched. In Part 1, Macca talks about playing behind Shane Warne, playing under different captains, his bizarre strategy against fast bowlers (it worked on me!) and goes into great detail about the technical side of leg-spin bowling. This is a must-listen for all aspiring leggies. Episode rundown01:48 - We begin by talking about how Macca dealt with playing behind Shane Warne and making sure he was always the 'next guy'10:17 - When I was playing with and against Macca there was never a dull moment and here we discuss how he used to get under the skin of his opponents, including me!16:12 - I go over some of Macca's incredible statistics as he explains how leadership played an important role in his career38:43 - We dedicate the remainder of Part 1 to Macca's technical checklist and the craft of leg-spin bowling Purchase Winning The Inner Battle Audiobook version now. https://plus.acast.com/s/lessons-learnt-with-the-greats. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
There are only a few bowlers who terrorised Australia like Shane Bond did and he is my next very special guest on Lessons Learnt with the Greats. Only injury held him back from being labelled as one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time, but when he was on the park, he was one of the most potent and prolific pacemen in the world. In this episode, Bondy shares golden insights on fast bowling and his mental approach before talking about coaching and how he gets the best out of the best players. It is a fascinating chat and I hope you enjoy it.Episode rundown01:12 - We start by talking about Bondy's ridiculous career statistics and how he went about setting goals07:00 - Bondy shares his personal highlights12:50 - Bondy talks about bowling skills, technique and how he changed his action24:10 - Fitness plays a big part in fast bowling and here Bondy shares how he stayed fit28:16 - As one of the leading T20 coaches in the world, Bondy discusses his philosophies and learnings35:18 - We touch on the mental side of the game45:08 - Bondy explains why he played nice with the media but wasn't afraid to call journalists out51:33 - Here we talk finance and investment and what Bondy has done and would have changed1:02:46 - The life mantras Bondy lives by that were passed down from his mum1:05:00 - The inspiring people Bondy has met1:09:37 - We finish with the books and documentaries Bondy has enjoyed Purchase Winning The Inner Battle Audiobook version now. https://plus.acast.com/s/lessons-learnt-with-the-greats. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mark Butcher is not just a former England batsman, although in his day he was sublime player and single-handedly won the fourth Ashes Test in 2001 at Headingley. Butch is also a polished media pundit and brilliant musician and on this episode of Lessons Learnt with the Greats we take a deep dive into his cricket career and his new passions. I still remember watching him bat against Australia when I was 16 and it was a great thrill to chat to him about how he went about it and how he met one of his idols, which I am extremely jealous of! Butch was a great chat and I hope you get as much out of it as I did.Episode rundown01:40 - We start with Butch recalling his Ashes memories before moving onto his match-winning 173no at Headingley in 2001.17:15 - Butch talks about team success and an incredible series in 2004 when England beat the Windies and Brian Lara scored 400 not out!24:05 - We go into the technical side of Butch's game, starting with batting34:30 - Butch talks catching as a terrific fielder 37:40 - We touch on Butch's fitness regime during his playing days40:51 - Here we discuss mental skills and how Butch tried to keep the thoughts out56:19 - Butch talks about the media, from transitioning from a player to a pundit1:04:33 - We discuss finance and how Butch handled his earnings from cricket1:08:25 - Butch talks about his music career and how he's made the change1:16:25 - The mantra Butch lives by1:20:35 - The person who has inspired Butch the most. This is a cracking yarn!1:24:27 - Butch shares the best books he's read Purchase Winning The Inner Battle Audiobook version now. https://plus.acast.com/s/lessons-learnt-with-the-greats. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
I first knew Murali Vijay as a dangerous rival on the international stage but I've been lucky enough to play alongside him with CSK and learnt what a great player and person he truly is. I can vividly remember the times Vijay put the Australian teams I played in to the sword, and I can say it's much better having him as a friend than a foe! Vijay is a master of playing fast and spin bowling and hearing him chat about how he handles the turning ball is not to be missed. Vijay speaks so well about the mental side of cricket, his philosophies on life and playing with the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. Episode rundown02:19 - Vijay and I chat through some his incredible career highlights for India and in the IPL06:35 - We get into the technical side of the game, starting with batting and how Vijay played spin bowling20:36 - Vijay explains his fitness regime and how he trains to cover all scenarios22:48 - There are few better close-in fielders than Vijay and here he talks us through his method25:31 - We delve into the mental side of cricket and how Vijay uses visualisation34:43 - Here we cover the media and social media and how connecting with people is so important 48:57 - Vijay explains how his father invested wisely and what he has done with his earnings55:15 - Vijay's mantra on life57:52 - How Sachin Tendulkar inspired Vijay1:00:42 - We finish with the book Vijay carries with him everywhere he goes Purchase Winning The Inner Battle Audiobook version now. https://plus.acast.com/s/lessons-learnt-with-the-greats. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dwayne 'DJ' Bravo is the ultimate cricketer, a genuine allrounder who can star with the bat, ball and in the field and it's my great privilege to speak to him on this episode of Lessons Learnt with the Greats. DJ might make the game look easy but behind the scenes he is a true professional in his preparation and practice. During our fascinating chat, DJ talks all things cricket and goes in-depth about his aspirations as a music performer and producer, which serve as an inspiration for all people not just athletes. I hope you enjoy my chat with DJ, a real champion! Episode Rundown03:38 - I share my favourite highlights of DJ's career, one each from Test cricket and IPL10:05 - DJ shares his fondest on-field memories, including his maiden Test century11:56 - We move into the technical side of the game, starting with DJ's batting19:30 - DJ then talks about his bowling, focusing on his brilliant slower ball25:37 - As one of the fittest players in the world, DJ shares his training regime and the exercises he does NOT do36:07 - DJ was always excellent in the clutch moments and here he shares his mental skills45:23 - We then move on to the media and how DJ interacts with social media57:00 - DJ shares his experiences about finance and investment and the importance of having people to trust1:08:03 - Here DJ discusses his passion for music and how he has followed his dreams despite being told otherwise1:25:41 - We finish with DJ sharing the inspiring people he has met and how they have impacted his life Purchase Winning The Inner Battle Audiobook version now. https://plus.acast.com/s/lessons-learnt-with-the-greats. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It is my absolute pleasure to have an extended chat to my old adversary and now valued teammate Faf du Plessis over two episodes of Lessons Learnt with the Greats. Faf is one of South Africa's greatest batsmen and leaders and we dedicate Part 1 talking about batting, fielding and leadership, and I can honestly say this is one of the most enlightening interviews I have done to date. The way Faf explains his batting technique will be loved by casual fans and true cricket tragics (like me!) and his insight into captaincy is second to none. Part 2 is also available, covering the mental side of the game, the media and how Faf has managed his money. I hope you enjoy. Episode Rundown02:00 - We start with me giving my honest first impression of Faf which could not have been more off the mark10:53 - I share my favourite moment of Faf's stellar career - his maiden Test Century in Adelaide18:36 - Faf then shares his career highlights 22:44 - We take a deep dive into the technical side of batting, of there are few better to talk to about than Faf45:25 - Faf talks about how he became a brilliant catcher and fielder59:02 - Faf shares his fitness regime and how it has changed over time1:10:02 - We finish Part 1 with Faf talking about the art of captaincy and how he's grown as a leader Purchase Winning The Inner Battle Audiobook version now. https://plus.acast.com/s/lessons-learnt-with-the-greats. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Part 2 of my fascinating chat with former South Africa captain and Chennai Super Kings superstar Faf du Plessis goes off field. We talk about the mental side of the game - a topic Faf and I could chat about for hours - before discussing how he worked with, not against, South Africa's media and how a chat between mates led to a boutique business. Part 1 is available now too and if you haven't already listened to it, I thoroughly recommend. Episode Rundown00:41 - Part 2 starts with Faf talking about his mental toughness, a subject he and I are fascinated by and explore in great depth29:04 - Faf then talks about how he handled the media and how he consumes news - good and bad - while he is still playing45:12 - We talk business, finance and investment and why it is crucial to get the right advice1:00:00 - Faf discusses how his faith helps in trying moments1:04:40 - We finish this extraordinary chat by talking about books and I give Faf a few to add to his list Purchase Winning The Inner Battle Audiobook version now. https://plus.acast.com/s/lessons-learnt-with-the-greats. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Kevin Pietersen is the kind of batsman every player wants to emulate. Confident, aggressive, audacious, skillful - KP had it all. It's my pleasure to be able to pick his brain on this episode of Lessons Learnt with the Greats to discover how he forged one of the finest cricket careers in history. Not only do we discuss the physical and mental side of the game, KP and I talk about how he handles the media, his finances and his brilliant conservation work.Rundown04:13 - We start by discussing KP's life-changing maiden Test century in 200508:22 - KP then talks about the many highlights in his career, both personally and in a team11:11 - KP explains the keys to his batting and how he mastered spin bowling19:44 - As one of the fittest players of his day, KP talks about his training regime and what is working for him now24:13 - KP discusses the mental side of the game33:51 - He is one of the world's sharpest commentators and here KP talks us through his changing interactions with the media over his life42:32 - KP reveals how he made the most of his wealth and the important lessons he's learnt49:31 - KP talks about his wonderful conservation work saving rhinos and his business SORAI which is helping save rhinos in Africa and India1:00:13 - The simple mantra KP lives by1:02:17 - The inspiring people KP has met Purchase Winning The Inner Battle Audiobook version now. https://plus.acast.com/s/lessons-learnt-with-the-greats. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.