Ep 24 - How Victoria's Blake Macdonald "Lets Go of the Outcome" | Process, Pressure & Premeditating

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