The Cerebral Cricketer

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...

Duration: 01:59:26

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...

Duration: 01:54:42

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

<...

Duration: 01:46:47

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.

H...

Duration: 01:20:46

Netherland's Opener Michael Levitt opens up on the simple blueprint behind a T20 hundred, powerplay intent, and mental clarity. We cover how he backs himself under pressure, reads bowlers, sets clear plans, and turns tempo into boundaries.

He breaks down the Namibia 135, the communication with partners, and the drills that sharpen bat speed and contact quality. You will hear practical routines you can copy in your next innings, from pre ball cues to breathing and visualization. 

What we cover

• Power game basics, intent in the first six, boundary percentage, strike rotation

• Proce...

Duration: 01:14:12

Antum Naqvi joins The Cerebral Cricketer to unpack his historic 300 not out in Zimbabwe domestic cricket, the decision making that sustained the innings, and the repeatable routines behind big scores. 

We cover debut 140*, captaincy with Mid West Rhinos, white ball gears, and how a commercial pilot license shaped his preparation and discipline.

What you will learn:

• Phase plan for a triple century, early options, middle consolidation, late acceleration

• Risk management near milestones, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300 • Strike rotation, boundary percentage, dot ball control 

• Reading bowlers and fields, adjustments to spin and seam 

• World c...

Duration: 01:56:22

From the Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year in 2005 to scoring 36 first-class centuries, Mark Cosgrove has lived the highs and challenges of professional cricket.

Known for his fearless batting and natural stroke play, Cosgrove represented South Australia, Tasmania, Glamorgan, Leicestershire, and even wore the green and gold for Australia in 2006, scoring 74 on ODI debut against Bangladesh.

In this episode of The Cerebral Cricketer Podcast, Mark opens up about:

His early days in cricket, balancing footy, soccer, and batting in tough Adelaide nets. Lessons from mentors like Russell Thompson, Andy Flower, and Darren Lehmann. Winning...

Duration: 01:30:05

Fergus O'Neill joins The Cerebral Cricketer to talk self belief, optimism, and why more love, less ego keeps him grounded.

We dig into his fast bowling process, judging by execution not outcomes, and the shoe cue that keeps him present, TG, today's game.

He breaks down the hat trick that kick started belief, lessons from Scott Boland and Peter Siddle, and how he plans dismissals with analysts.

We get into adapting to flat decks versus green seamers, Kookaburra versus Dukes in England, and the mental routines that help him cash in when rhythm...

Duration: 01:13:54

In this episode of The Cerebral Cricketer, we sit down with Kyle Klein, Netherlands' emerging opening pacer, to unpack the mindset, preparation, and tactical thought behind his recent success with the new ball in international cricket.

From mastering his run-up through eyes-closed drills to learning how to channel nerves into focus, Kyle gives us a rare look into the process that underpins his performance.

He reflects on key moments like his 4 for 16 against Oman, his tactical approach against seasoned players like Joe Burns and the Menenti brothers, and what it's like to open the bowling...

Duration: 01:35:25

In this episode of The Cerebral Cricketer Podcast, we sit down with Sam Heazlett, a talented left-handed batsman who has represented Queensland in Sheffield Shield and One Day Cup cricket, starred for the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League (BBL), and proudly earned an Australian ODI cap in 2017.

Sam opens up about his journey through the ranks of Australian cricket, from scoring a century on Sheffield Shield debut to sharing the dressing room with global superstars like AB de Villiers at the Brisbane Heat.

He reflects on the mental side of cricket, building self-belief...

Duration: 01:48:42

In this episode of The Cerebral Cricketer, we sit down with Stephan Myburgh, the South African-born Dutch cricketer known for his fearless approach at the top of the order.

From his iconic 17-ball fifty in the 2014 T20 World Cup to helping the Netherlands pull off giant-killing performances against cricketing powerhouses, Stephan shares the mindset, faith, and preparation that shaped his career. 

We explore:

✅ The story behind his move from South Africa to the Netherlands

✅ His mental approach to batting under pressure in T20s

✅ The unforgettable chase against Ireland in the...

Duration: 00:54:02

In this episode of The Cerebral Cricketer, we sit down with Curtis Campher, Ireland's all-format all-rounder.

From his early days playing backyard cricket in Johannesburg to delivering clutch performances for Ireland on the world stage, Curtis shares an unfiltered look into what fuels his game, both mentally and technically. We cover everything from his South African upbringing and multi-sport background (hockey and golf), to the psychological lessons passed down by his parents. Curtis reflects on why he never chased personal glory, what it means to be a true team-first player, and how his identity was shaped through...

Duration: 01:59:33

We sit down with Aaron Johnson, the explosive Canadian opening batter with Jamaican roots, whose late start and relentless work ethic have turned him into one of the most feared T20 hitters in Associate cricket.

From herding goats in rural Jamaica to smashing sixes on the international stage, Aaron shares his journey of grit, growth, and the power of staying true to your game.

We talk farm life, cricket culture, mental resilience, training through Canadian winters, and his mindset on debuting for Canada at age 31. 

He reflects on key mentors, time spent in E...

Duration: 02:04:08

In this episode of The Cerebral Cricketer, we sit down with Will Bosisto — Player of the Tournament at the 2012 U19 World Cup — for an unfiltered conversation about the mental blueprint behind his journey: from prodigious talent to rebuilding his game and reigniting his career through T20 franchise cricket.

We explore:

✅ The pressures of early success and navigating setbacks

✅ The role of mindfulness, visualization, and breathing in his batting routine

✅ His influences — Mike Hussey, Damien Martyn, and subcontinent experiences

✅ Tactical breakdowns of T20 innings, including lessons from the BPL and Hussey's game...

Duration: 02:48:17

From street cricket to facing the world's best bowlers, Solomon Mire's journey to international cricket is nothing short of extraordinary.

In this jam-packed episode, Solomon opens up about his early days in Zimbabwe, training without gear, and the raw, fearless environment that shaped his explosive batting style.

He shares the behind-the-scenes stories of playing against future stars like Kohli, Williamson, and Hazelwood at the U19 World Cup—while borrowing kit from opposition teams.

We explore his emotional return to Zimbabwe after years in Melbourne, his ODI century against Sri Lanka, and the mindset th...

Duration: 02:42:33

From winning the U19 World Cup alongside future stars like Shaun Marsh and Cameron White, to playing in front of 50,000 fans in Dhaka at 19 years of age, to delivering a mic'd-up Man of the Match performance in a Big Bash Final —Adam Crosthwaite's career is a rollercoaster of unforgettable moments.

You'll Hear About:

🏆 Teenage Triumphs – Winning the 2002 U19 World Cup undefeated (and why that squad produced many first-class players).

🎤 Big Bash Heroics – That mic'd-up *52* (31) in the 2007 final, complete with fake ramps and Alan Border's commentary in his ear.

🔥 Baptism by Fire – Facing 50,000 fan...

Duration: 01:44:27

We sit down with Queensland's Bryce Street, to dive deep into the mental side of cricket.

From overcoming nerves and self-doubt to scoring record-breaking innings (including his epic 345 off 434 balls), Bryce shares invaluable insights on what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of the game.

From managing negative self-talk to embracing simplicity at the crease, Bryce gives us a rare, honest look into the psychology of performance and what it means to trust your game even when the runs aren't flowing.

Whether you're a player, coach, or just a lover of...

Duration: 01:21:23

In this episode, we chat to Gus Sloan, a superstar in the Global T20 Tournament "Last Man Stands (LMS)" (youngest anointed 'Legend' in LMS history!), to dive deep into his incredible journey, from playing rugby league as a teenager to becoming one of the most prolific players in LMS and Virtual Reality iB Cricket history.

With a batting average of 66.89 and a strike rate of 192.68 in LMS, Gus shares his secrets to success, the mental and physical preparation behind his game, and his transition into sports management with Grandstand Sports Management.

🔹 Key Topics Covered:

...

Duration: 01:41:18

I reflect on my conversation with Dutch international cricketer Shariz Ahmad and break down the mindset gems and strategic insights he shared.

We dive into:

✅ How Shariz developed an optimistic mindset from a young age
✅ The story of scouts discovering him at age 11 and his positive outlook on the pressure
✅ Being fast-tracked into the Netherlands cricket system
✅ How he plans his bowling strategies before the game and while fielding
✅ The bowlers he models his game on, including Rashid Khan and Adam Zampa
✅ What young spinners can learn from his approach to mindset, p...

Duration: 00:24:08

In this episode, we sit down with Shariz Ahmad, the Netherlands' rising cricket sensation, as he shares his incredible journey from backyard cricket to the international stage.

Discover how he honed his leg-spin skills, overcame challenges, and made his mark in the T20 World Cup.

Plus, get exclusive insights into his training routines, mental preparation, and the secrets behind his all-rounder success.

🌟 Inside this episode:

✅ The mindset & tactics behind his leg spin 🧠🎯

✅ Learning from legends like Rashid Khan, Adam Zampa & Shadab Khan 🏏🔥

✅ His unforgettable T20 World Cup debut & the pressure...

Duration: 02:49:49

In this special episode of The Cerebral Cricketer, I reflect on my fascinating conversation with Musa Nadeem Ahmad, a rising star in Netherlands cricket! 🏏

🌟 Key Takeaways From My Chat With Musa Nadeem Ahmad:

✅ His journey through Dutch cricket & rise as an international cricketer
✅ The mental side of batting – staying fearless
✅ What it takes to perform at the highest level in Associate cricket
✅ The challenges & opportunities he encountered
✅ What I learned from our conversation & how it applies to aspiring cricketers 💡

🎙️ Whether you're an aspiring cricketer, a fan of the game, or curious about Netherland...

Duration: 00:23:19

We talk to Musa Nadeem Ahmed, the dynamic left-handed batsman from the Netherlands national cricket team.

Musa shares his incredible journey from dreaming of becoming a professional footballer to becoming one of the most exciting talents in Dutch cricket.

From his early days playing backyard cricket with his brother to facing 150kph deliveries from the likes of Naseem Shah and Anrich Nortje, Musa opens up about the challenges of the journey to international cricket.

He also discusses his experiences in the European Cricket League, his time at the Gary Kirsten Cricket Academy, how...

Duration: 01:45:00

🎙 Welcome to The Cerebral Cricketer Podcast! This is Episode Zero - the foundation of what's to come. In this episode, I break down the vision behind The Cerebral Cricketer podcast and why I've started this podcast.

🧠 What to Expect:

Why the mental game is just as important as physical skill. The psychology behind peak performance in cricket. How I'll be unpacking the thought processes, strategies, and resilience with professional cricketers. What sort of interviews to expect with players, coaches, and experts.

🚀 If you're a cricketer, coach, or just fascinated by the psychology of sport, this podcast is...

Duration: 00:41:47