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.

00:03 – Pulp Fiction

01:06 – Introducing John Neal

01:45 – Formal Guest Welcome

03:20 – Personality vs Character Defined

07:52 – Understanding Your Own Character

13:29 – For Young Players: How Do You Know?

19:51 – Do We Overvalue Personality?

24:14 – Parents & Character Development

28:19 – When a Child Gets Dropped

33:19 – Character in Coaches Under Pressure

38:22 – “Ego Kills Eco” Explained

46:35 – Do Organisations Really Have Values?

56:46 – Quick Fire: Character Defined

58:35 – The Uncomfortable Truth About Modern Sport

59:50 – Closing Reflections

1:00:14 – Independent Professional Sports Coach Association

1:02:14 – Episode Close & Next Week Preview

If this episode sparked a thought or question, we’d love to hear from you:

📧 nathan@cricketmind.online

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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:

1. Why nets and matches demand different skills
2. Why “more nets” isn’t always the solution
3. How to train decision-making under pressure
4. The difference between fragile and resilient confidence
5. How environment shapes sporting resilience

Whether 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.

If you’d like your question answered on the podcast:

🌐 www.cricketmind.online

📧 nathan@cricketmind.online

📘 Facebook: @cricket.mind.online

📸 Instagram: @cricket.mind.online

We read every message — and these episodes are shaped by what you’re actually experiencing.

Batting is the most scrutinised skill in cricket.

In this episode of The Cricket Mind Podcast, Nathan Wood and Briony Brock are joined by World Cup-winning coach Alastair Maiden to explore the art, science and psychology of batting.

Ali has coached across county cricket, England Women’s international cricket (including the 2017 World Cup win), and franchise cricket with Birmingham Phoenix.

This conversation goes deep into how batters really develop — technically, mentally and culturally.

In This Episode

1. Individual difference in batting
2. Naturalness, rhythm and flow
3. Managing expectation and pressure
4. Coaching men vs women
5. Talent ID beyond averages
6. Competitiveness vs statistics
7. Developing batters through game-based training
8. Why young players should start with the bat on the floor

Plus listener questions on:

1. Steve Smith’s pre-ball routine
2. Whether it’s possible to “make it” without financial backing

00:00 – Why Batting Is So Complex

02:00 – Alastair Maiden’s Coaching Journey

08:00 – Playing Career & Turning to Coaching

14:30 – Individual Difference in Batting

23:00 – Coaching Men vs Women

29:30 – The Mental Demands of Batting

41:00 – Positive Intent & “Green Light” Running

52:00 – Training with Context

54:30 – Talent ID & What Stands Out

57:30 – Competitors vs Achievers

1:01:00 – Advice for Young Batters

1:03:00 – “Bat on the Floor” Coaching Philosophy

1:07:00 – Listener Question: Making It Without Money

1:09:45 – Listener Question: Steve Smith’s Routine

1:12:00 – Closing Thoughts

We love hearing from listeners.

Email: nathan@cricketmind.online

Website: https://www.cricketmind.online

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