Cricket Mind Podcast

Why is wicketkeeping often described as a “dark art”… and why is there nowhere to hide when things go wrong?🎙️ Episode SummaryIn 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 misunderstoodThe mental demands of being involved in every ballManaging concentration during “silent periods” in gamesWhy wicketkeeping is mentally more draining than it looksHow to respond to mistakes and avoid things snowballingThe balance between instinct and technical thinkingLeadership challenges as a wicketkeeper-captainHow psychology influences performance and team culturePractical advice for coaches working with young keepersSimple ways parents can support developing wicketkeepers⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Chris Scott, Brian Lara and “nowhere to hide”01:18 – Introducing Ellie Threlkeld02:05 – The “dark art” of wicketkeeping explained07:21 – What people don’t see (and don’t appreciate)08:30 – Managing concentration ball-to-ball11:10 – Why wicketkeeping is mentally draining13:47 – The isolation of being a wicketkeeper22:17 – Dealing with mistakes and resetting30:48 – Pre-ball routines and staying present40:12 – Ellie’s psychology journey and leadership51:28 – How coaches can support wicketkeepers56:10 – Ellie’s advice for young wicketkeepers🔗 Get in touch🌐 Website: www.cricketmind.online📧 Email: [email protected]📱 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 misunderstoodWhy spinners struggle to transfer performance from nets to matchesHow captains can get more (or less) out of their spinnersWhat we’re getting right — and wrong — in coaching spinPractical advice for young spinners looking to improveInside Square One Cricket and its vision for the futureTimestamps00:00 – Spin bowling in England is “in a bit of a pickle"00:42 – Introducing Rob Ferley04:24 – What makes a good spinner?08:14 – Progression, passion, and development environments18:49 – Psychological challenges of spin & managing pressure23:58 – Getting hit as a spinner: thoughts, feelings, behaviour27:38 – 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 bowling55:22 – Square One Cricket: concept and vision🔗 Get in touch / Links🌐 Website: https://www.cricketmind.online📩 Email: [email protected]📱 Instagram: cricket.mind.onlineSquare 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 likeLearning from early success and setbacksThe experience of stepping into senior cricketAdapting across different teams and environmentsLessons from training and playing in IndiaUnderstanding performance beyond just resultsManaging confidence and expectationsThe realities of developing as a young cricketerChapters00:00 – Breaking through: pressure & reality01:01 – Early journey: Loughborough, Cheshire & first-team exposure03:39 – Early success & chasing a “formula”06:42 – Setbacks, deselection & proving yourself17:15 – Ambition, progression & long-term thinking27:20 – Stepping into Cheshire first team cricket31:56 – Life as a club pro: pressure, expectations & performance44:42 – Learning from the top: India Test team experience53:33 – Training in India: volume, repetition & development59:54 – Managing performance, mindset & multiple team01:09:14 – Advice for young players & final reflectionsEnjoying the podcast?If you’re finding these episodes useful:Follow / Subscribe so you don’t miss future episodesLeave a rating and review — it really helps more people find the showGet in touch / Send in your questionsWe’d love to hear from you:🌐 www.cricketmind.online📧 [email protected]📸 Instagram: @cricket.mind.online📘 Facebook: /cricket.mind.online🎧 Next episodeFormer 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 judgedWhat coaches should (and shouldn’t) say after mistakesSupporting young players through frustration and disappointmentManaging conflicting advice from multiple coachesHelping children transition from softball to hardball cricketA practical, honest discussion to help you think differently about performance, development, and the environments we create around the game.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Opening hook00:20 – Introduction01:03 – Q1: Feeling judged by public stats (Play Cricket)09:10 – Q2: How coaches should respond to mistakes14:23 – Q3: Managing emotions after getting out20:55 – Q4: Conflicting advice from multiple coaches30:09 – Q5: Fear of hardball cricket in young players38:00 – Reflections on fear & transition to hardball38:44 – Episode wrap-up begins39:00 – Next episode preview (Rohan Luthra)🔗 Follow & Connect🌐 www.cricketmind.online📧 [email protected]📱 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 Chapters00:00 A dropped catch and the psychology of fielding01:49 Introducing Paul Tweddle05:19 Why fielding mistakes affect confidence08:49 Fundamentals vs mindset in fielding12:46 What elite fielders do differently17:56 Communication and energy in the field23:57 Fielding culture in professional teams31:31 How professional teams train fielding40:46 Can anyone become a good fielder?53:50 Fielding and selection in the modern game58:47 The future of fieldingOnline Workshop – Making Pre-Season CountIf 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 £25Book your place here:www.cricketmind.online/eventsSend Us Your QuestionsNext 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.onlineEmail: [email protected]: @cricket.mind.onlineFacebook: @cricket.mind.onlineSubscribe to The Cricket Mind PodcastIf 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 yearsThe challenges of transitioning from softball to hardball cricketHow clubs can genuinely prioritise girls’ cricketThe realities of coaching in the professional women’s gameWhat Laura’s research revealed about female coaching pathwaysThis episode is essential listening for players, parents, coaches and anyone interested in the future of women’s cricket.Timestamps00:00 – Why girls drop out of sport01:17 – Introducing Laura MacLeod02:23 – Laura’s England debut in 199706:48 – From pace bowler to opening batter14:13 – Growth and professionalisation of women’s cricket20:45 – Balancing cricket careers with education and life after sport26:55 – Helping girls transition from softball to hardball31:04 – Keeping cricket fun in performance environments34:06 – Softball vs hardball pathways in club cricket39:05 – Challenges women face in cricket that aren’t often discussed47:32 – What great clubs do differently for girls’ cricket55:05 – Laura’s research on female coaches in professional sport01:07:14 – Advice for women aspiring to coach01:10:34 – Identity and life beyond elite cricket01:16:30 – The future of women’s cricket01:21:34 – Online workshop: Making Cricket Pre-Season CountWorkshop: Making Cricket Pre-Season CountNathan, 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 immediatelyThe 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.⏱ 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:📧 [email protected]🌐 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📧 [email protected]📘 Facebook: @cricket.mind.online📸 Instagram: @cricket.mind.onlineWe 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 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: [email protected]: 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/

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 bodiesThe difference between bowling fast and bowling wellHow technique and workload contribute to injury riskWhy fast bowlers need specialist coaching environmentsThe mental demands unique to fast bowlersWhen chasing pace helps — and when it hurtsHow parents and coaches can better support young players⏱️ 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: [email protected]📱 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/

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 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: [email protected]📸 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 playersWhen technique helps — and when it holds players backThe pressures facing young cricketers in modern systemsConfidence, resilience and independent thinkingSelf-talk, visualisation and common mental trapsLessons from the Ashes: adaptability, leadership and preparationWho this is forPlayers, 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.