The Cerebral Cricketer

In this episode of The Cerebral Cricketer, Italy international batter AJ Mosca breaks down the journey to Italy's first ever men's T20 World Cup, the mindset behind his match-winning 62 not out against Nepal, and the adjustments needed to succeed at the highest level of the game.

AJ reflects on his cricketing journey from the Sydney grade system to the international stage, and shares how years of refinement, self-awareness and preparation helped shape his game. He opens up about preparing for elite bowling attacks, developing new scoring options against both spin and pace, and learning how to stay clear, composed and decisive in high-pressure moments.

The conversation also explores the mental side of batting, including AJ's in-game process, the idea of flow state, and the importance of trusting your method when the stakes are at their highest. He also speaks powerfully about what Italy's rise meant to him personally, the emotion behind that historic World Cup moment, and why representing Italy alongside his brother made it even more special.

This is a fascinating conversation on mindset, adjustment, identity and performance, and a deep insight into one of the most memorable stories of Italy's rise on the world cricket stage.

Timestamps

00:00 Intro

00:43 Childhood, family and choosing cricket

05:50 Cricket in Rome

07:31 Crazy synthetic wickets

12:40 Early coaches and batting journey

17:46 Reflection and skill development

20:03 Building the baseball swing

23:47 The mental jump to international cricket

27:20 Facing pace and spin at World Cup level

34:07 Four years of World Cup preparation

38:32 The Nepal game plan

43:07 Flow state in the 62*

45:24 AJ's batting process explained

48:44 The emotion behind the celebration

53:44 Facing England with belief

56:00 Sydney grade teammates in Italy's side

01:04:35 Learning from big names in club cricket

01:06:23 Italy's World Cup learnings

What is it really like to live under the microscope as a professional cricketer?

In this episode of The Cerebral Cricketer, I'm joined by Melbourne-based cricket journalist Daniel Cherny for a fascinating conversation on the hidden psychological side of professional cricket.

We explore what high level cricketers have to deal with beyond pure performance, from media scrutiny and social media criticism to selection pressure, public narratives, and the mental toll of being constantly assessed.

Daniel shares insights from years of covering Australian cricket, including how player reputations are formed, why certain narratives stick, how young players adjust to the spotlight, and what journalists observe about pressure that fans often miss.

We also dive into Sheffield Shield cricket, Test cricket culture in Australia, and the evolving environment around elite players in the modern game.

If you're interested in the mental side of cricket, selection dynamics, team culture, and the reality of life under the microscope, this is a must-watch.

Timestamps

00:00 Intro

00:27 How Daniel Cherny got into sports journalism

02:02 Daniel's cricketing background

02:50 His journey from The Age to Code Sports

08:04 Victoria, cricket culture, and journalism

12:28 What makes covering cricket different

17:56 Sheffield Shield crowds and long format interest

21:49 Why Test cricket still dominates in Australia

26:11 Is Sheffield Shield still producing Test players?

33:21 The pressure jump to international cricket

40:32 How narratives stick to cricketers

49:46 How players handle being dropped

56:29 Social media and the mental toll on cricketers

01:02:03 Team culture and the modern Australian setup

01:08:14 Daniel's favourite journalism moments

01:09:39 The player unlucky to miss more Test cricket

01:10:24 Wrap up

In this episode of The Cerebral Cricketer, Shadley van Schalkwyk opens up like never before.

He reflects on growing up in Cape Town, coming through the South African system, losing his contract, and the mindset shift that changed his career.

Shadley speaks honestly about self-belief, failure, faith, God and how his wife's encouragement pushed him to go all in again, including a brutal stretch of 4am gym sessions, highly specific training, and a full year of sacrifice to give himself one more shot at the biggest stage.

He also breaks down the tactical thinking and bowling plans he used at the World Cup against India and Pakistan that helped drive his success.

This is a deep conversation about resilience, process, identity, and what it really takes to keep going in professional cricket.

Topics include:

• Shadley's childhood in Cape Town
• School sport, rugby, and early cricket development
• Losing his contract and rediscovering love for the game
• Self-belief, failure, and the mental side of cricket
• Faith, Belief in God and how it shapes his mindset
• 4am training, sacrifice, and preparation for the World Cup
• How he stayed ready when he was not expected to play
• Lessons from high-level cricket and life

Timestamps

00:00 Intro and USA cricket

02:31 Growing up in Cape Town

06:49 Sport, failure and early lessons

08:48 Coaching and cricket development

13:41 From wicketkeeper to all-rounder

15:21 First-class debut

23:01 Advice, confidence and self-doubt

27:26 Losing his contract changed everything

32:26 Life lessons from cricket

34:41 Self-belief and handling doubt

42:52 Faith, God and letting go

48:01 First World Cup vs second World Cup

50:51 The 4am training grind

52:48 Redefining his role

56:31 Becoming a thinking cricketer

01:08:07 Recovery and body management

01:10:07 Tactical planning for India

01:20:15 Reflecting on USA's World Cup campaign

01:25:26 World Cup conversations and lessons

01:27:25 Beating Bangladesh before the World Cup

01:28:56 Facing South Africa's best

We are joined by Western Australia wicketkeeper-batter Joel Curtis for a deep conversation on the mental and technical side of batting and handling self-doubt.

We explore how backyard battles with his older brother shaped his competitiveness, how he developed his game, and the role Cricket Mentoring played in sharpening both his technique and mental approach.

Joel opens up about playing in England, learning to trust his game, and how volume of cricket helped accelerate his development.

He also reflects honestly on the pressure of second XI cricket, making his Sheffield Shield debut, getting a first-ball duck, and the self-doubt that followed, before later scoring his maiden Shield hundred for WA.

If you enjoy cricket conversations that go beyond the surface and explore the mindset behind performance, this one is for you.

Topics include: Joel Curtis, Western Australia cricket, Sheffield Shield, batting mindset, self-doubt, mental routines, wicketkeeper-batsman, grade cricket, Second XI cricket, first-class cricket, domestic cricket, cricket psychology, facing fast bowling, batting technique, cricket development.

Timestamps

00:00 Intro

00:26 How Joel got into cricket

01:21 Growing up competitive with his older brother

03:41 Was he always a wicketkeeper-batter? 05:49 Learning without a technical coach

07:39 How backyard cricket shaped his batting

10:13 The impact of Cricket Mentoring

12:01 Batting fundamentals for young players

13:21 Why great batters play late

15:59 Does defense still matter in T20 cricket?

17:31 England, freedom and record-breaking runs

22:24 Why England fast-tracked his development

24:22 Grade cricket form and his WA opportunity

28:29 Advice for handling pressure opportunities

29:37 Joel's Sheffield Shield debut

32:48 First-ball duck, self-doubt and bouncing back

35:00 Reflecting on that dismissal and what he changed

36:54 Are Shield conditions harder for batters now?

39:58 The story behind his maiden Shield hundred

42:34 Preparing to face quality pace attacks

44:46 Batting in flow at Junction Oval

47:33 Learning from Mitch Marsh and WA's stars

50:37 How to train for genuine pace

52:57 Joel's batting routine

56:22 Adapting to different batting roles

59:38 MRF Academy, PM's XI and India experience

01:02:40 What India taught him about playing spin

01:04:18 Chasing 320 against Tasmania

01:07:05 Dressing room message during WA's tense chase

01:08:15 Sports psych, meditation and visualization

01:10:19 Handling self-doubt and mental chatter

01:13:21 Toughest bowler he has faced

01:13:58 Batters who impressed him most

01:14:54 His most satisfying innings

01:15:27 Best piece of advice he's received

01:19:12 Balancing work and cricket before his contract

01:20:47 Wrap up

In this episode of The Cerebral Cricketer, we are joined by ESPNcricinfo Bangladesh correspondent Mohammad Isam for a deep conversation on the real state of Bangladesh cricket.

We discuss why Bangladesh continues to produce talented players but struggles to consistently develop world-class cricketers, the impact of BCB politics, poor infrastructure, weak pathways, under-19 dependence, BKSP, coaching, and the cultural issues that continue to hold Bangladesh cricket back.

Mohammad Isam also shares fascinating insights on overlooked cricketers, the rise of players like Rishad Hossain, the role of coaches such as Chandika Hathurusinghe, and why Bangladesh cricket still feels trapped between potential and instability.

This is one of the most honest and in-depth conversations you'll hear on Bangladesh cricket.

Topics include:

- Bangladesh cricket structure

- BCB politics

- BKSP and under-19 cricket

- Why talent gets wasted

- Coaching in Bangladesh cricket

- Rishad Hossain and leg spin

- Domestic cricket problems

- The future of Bangladesh cricket

🎙 About The Cerebral Cricketer Podcast

The Cerebral Cricketer is a coaching led podcast that goes inside the minds of current players, coaches and specialists, focusing on plans, spaces and the mental skills that separate good from world class.

Zimbabwe's Brad Evans sits down to unpack the real story behind his rise, from fringe seamer to one of the most effective T20 bowlers in the world.

This is not just highlights and memories, it is a deep dive into the plans, spaces and mental frameworks he uses every time he competes for Zimbabwe.

From that famous last over against Pakistan at the T20 World Cup, to his five for against India in Harare and his Test five for against Afghanistan, Brad breaks down how he thinks about plans, pressure and patience at the highest level.

This conversation is packed with practical lessons for fast bowlers, allrounders and coaches who care about the mental side of the game. 🧠

What we cover in this episode

- Is Brad a naturally cerebral cricketer, and how growing up with Craig Evans shaped his cricket brain

- Why his dad focused on enjoyment, not expectation, and how that protected his mindset

- The Sri Lanka Cricketer camp, training in heat and humidity, and creating a cricket retreat environment

- Low balls and bouncers, elite focus drills, and the coin exercise that changed how he watches the ball

- Understanding spaces and body shapes rather than copying Kohli or Green

- Technical tweaks to movement and alignment, and how posture at the crease shifts intent

- The mindset shift from fearing getting out to seeing himself as a run scorer

- A walk through of the last over vs Pakistan, sticking to his plan after getting hit

- How that game changed how Zimbabwe fans, teammates and Brad himself saw his role

- The India ODI series, dealing with imposter syndrome and taking a five for against a world giant

- Test cricket patience, long spells, and his Afghanistan five for as a reward for discipline

🎙 About The Cerebral Cricketer Podcast

The Cerebral Cricketer is a coaching led podcast that goes inside the minds of current players, coaches and specialists, focusing on plans, spaces and the mental skills that separate good from world class.

Subscribe for more deep dives with international cricketers and high level coaches.

If you enjoyed this episode with Brad Evans

- Leave a comment with your favourite insight

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#BradEvans #ZimbabweCricket #T20Cricket #CricketPodcast #CricketMindset #FastBowler #SriLankaCricketer

Timestamps

00:00 Intro and who Brad Evans is

02:00 Is Brad a naturally cerebral cricketer, growing up with Craig Evans

07:00 Dad's philosophy, enjoyment over expectation

11:30 Sri Lanka camp experience and training environment

18:30 Focus on low balls and bouncers, vision and focus drills

27:30 Working with Toby Radford, understanding his game and spaces

37:00 Technical tweaks, movement, balance and batting posture

47:30 Mindset shift, from fearing getting out to scoring runs

58:00 Pakistan T20 World Cup game and build up to the final over

1:07:30 Bowling the last over vs Pakistan, sticking to his plan

1:16:00 Aftermath of that win, change in confidence and perception

1:23:00 India ODI series, five wicket haul and partnership with Sikandar Raza

1:33:00 Test cricket mindset, patience and Afghanistan five for

1:42:00 Key lessons for cricketers and closing thoughts

World Renowned Bowling Coach Shane Jurgensen joins The Cerebral Cricketer Podcast to break down the real blueprint behind a world-class pace attack.

Shane shares the practical cues he used with elite quicks, how to build speed without overthinking technique, and the hidden "durability rules" that keep fast bowlers on the park.

He also breaks down the behind-the-scenes strategy work, the bowling group meetings, planning fields to "bowl to your strengths", and using decoy setups when bowling to elite batters like Steve Smith and Virat Kohli.

Shane also unpacks the moments that defined that era, including the World Cup final heartbreak (the "15 for 4" moment that felt like the cup was finally theirs), and what tournament cricket teaches you about momentum, luck, and composure.

We discuss:

- The core idea Shane drills into bowlers: "something creates something", how run-up rhythm shapes action, and action shapes power and control

- A simple external-focus hack to unlock extra pace, including the keeper-glove target and what it did for Kyle Jamieson's speed

- The mindset cue Shane gives his bowlers: "stay calm, play savage", and why every ball is a fresh event

- Why many fast bowlers break down, and the "30% rule" Shane used for Test prep (plus how he monitored workloads across NZ)

- The strength standards behind elite pace, including the squat numbers NZ quicks were hitting, and the forces going through the body at landing

- Prehab habits Shane rates (therabands, medicine ball work) and why they matter for both body and mind

Timestamps

00:00:00 Intro, building a world-class pace attack

00:04:22 Early influences, why wickets matter more than just economy

00:07:29 Coaching simplification, learning from Merv Hughes

00:13:28 Keeper-glove targeting, the drill that helped Kyle Jamieson find extra pace

00:25:50 Playing journey, emotional control, "stay calm, play savage"

00:31:31 Youth Test story, "7 for 4" and what it taught him

00:33:23 Pura Cup final, 11 wickets, long spells, what those days demanded

00:36:09 Workload and injuries, the "30% rule" for Test intensity

00:50:25 Niggles vs real injury, recovery and warning signs

00:52:18 NZ bowling coach (2008–2010), Bond, Martin, Vettori, video and run-up timing

00:56:23 The Vettori camp, run-up mechanics and timing (heel strike vs toes)

01:04:02 Bangladesh stint, adapting bowling plans to conditions and people

01:21:04 Building analysis for the 2019 World Cup, leadership under Kane Williamson

01:22:48 "Decoy fields" and strategy vs Virat Kohli

01:27:15 Semi-final atmosphere in Manchester, bowling partnerships and roles

01:29:15 World Cup final prep at Lord's, plans vs Roy and Bairstow

01:35:48 The "15 for 4" moment, what coaches feel in that chaos

01:42:59 World Test Championship final, nerves and pressure inside the camp

01:44:36 Facing a 16-year-old Steve Smith, plus Warner and Khawaja memories

01:50:05 "Heavy ball" explained, why some bowlers feel uniquely dangerous

01:52:19 The bowler who impressed him most, Matt Henry, training in high-intensity blocks

01:53:13 Why Tom Blundell deserved more white-ball chances

01:54:24 Wrap up, patience, process, and winning over time

Afghanistan's newly appointed batting coach Toby Radford joins The Cerebral Cricketer fresh off a win in Dubai, straight after a fast turnaround from the Bangladesh Premier League.

In this episode, Toby breaks down what he looks for in elite batting across formats, from T20 game awareness and middle overs planning, to the technical "non negotiables" he believes most world class players share.

We go deep on alignment, balance, triggers, playing late, soft hands, and the small details that can be the difference between being slightly out of form and back in rhythm.

We also get practical on how those ideas translate in the nets and in match scenarios, Toby talks through the "option + execution" test he uses for every shot, and why T20 scoring can still come from proper cricket shots and low risk areas rather than slogging.

What you'll learn

• How franchise coaching differs from international and county setups, what actually gets coached when players are in and out quickly

• T20 batting on slow turners vs true wickets, how to maximise the new ball and survive the middle overs

• "Option + execution", Toby's simple framework for every shot selection decision

• The alignment blueprint, head over feet, hands close, and why so many dismissals start with posture and early movement

• Triggers that work, triggers that ruin your setup, and how timing your movement changes everything

• Playing late drills, including a simple machine setup that forces better timing and control

Toby Radford is a former first class cricketer for Middlesex and Sussex, who later became Head Coach at Middlesex and Head Coach at Glamorgan.

He has worked internationally as West Indies batting coach, then held senior development roles as Head of High Performance at the Bangladesh Cricket Board and Batting Coach at the Pakistan Cricket Board High Performance Centre.

He has been the Head Coach of Dhaka Capitals and has been appointed Afghanistan's batting coach.

Timestamps

0:00 Intro 0:04 Toby's Afghanistan appointment 0:59 BPL to Dubai turnaround, win vs West Indies 1:34 Franchise cricket pace, what gets coached early 11:13 Option + execution, shot selection framework 15:14 Alignment, the straight line concept 17:19 Balance, head over feet, 60/40 weight cue 18:19 Stance width, white ball vs red ball setups 19:55 Foot movement, head goes first 21:18 Playing late drill, bowling machine setup 23:08 Unorthodox players, still the same fundamentals 27:11 Saif Hassan case study, balance at ball release 33:39 Trigger movement, timing, keep it minimal 38:04 Backlift and toe position, slower vs bouncier pitches 39:59 Coaching the short ball, what good looks like 41:56 Soft hands vs hard hands, shifting gears 45:33 Underrated batters to watch 48:57 Wrap up

Tasmania and Hobart Hurricanes top order batsman Tim Ward joins the show to share how he made it into domestic cricket without the "usual" pathway, including missing age group carnivals and using that setback as fuel.

We unpack the NSW to Tasmania move, the rookie contract call, how to adapt your game to T20 cricket and what it took to earn his place in the setup.

Plus, Tim breaks down his notebook method for building innings (first 30 balls, then layers), and a BBL story where "be brave" turned into laps, ramps, and momentum.

This episode explores unseen side of making it, what it feels like when the pathway doesn't pick you, how Tim stayed patient, kept improving, and turned the NSW to Tassie move into a real opportunity.

In this ep:

• Pathway setbacks, and why there are multiple roads

• The decision to leave NSW, and back himself in Tassie

• Simple batting checkpoints, and "bat like George Worker"

• Playing brave in T20, lap and ramp under pressure

Timestamp

00:00 Intro, Tasmania opener Tim Ward 00:00:25 Hurricanes finals vibe, team culture and confidence 00:05:43 White ball prep, being brave, ramps and unconventional shots 00:13:24 Decision making under pressure, using your partner at the crease 00:14:37 Growing up with cricket, early influences 00:23:08 Grade cricket grind, climbing through the levels 00:26:07 203 not out, missing the Under 19 carnival, proving a point 00:31:44 Goal setting, handling low scores, staying honest with yourself 00:39:47 First 30 balls method, "bat like George Worker" mindset 00:44:44 UK stint, adapting to different conditions 00:45:56 Journaling and match prep, building routines 00:54:09 NSW to Tasmania move, rookie contract, breaking into the setup 01:16:59 White ball flexibility, expanding and contracting your game 01:24:20 BBL chase story, dropped Warner, "be brave" and the lap shot 01:29:55 Quickfire wrap up, toughest bowlers, closing thoughts

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