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

From the U19 World Cup Final in Aussie colours to training with Punjab Kings in the IPL, Param Uppal opens up his secret playbook for success as a modern cricketer.

In this episode of The Cerebral Cricketer, Param talks about growing up in western Sydney after moving from India, the realities of the Australian pathway system, playing a World Cup Final against India, and then walking into an IPL environment full of world class players.

He also breaks down the coaching that shaped him, from Neil D Costa and Gordon Lowe to Anthony Clark, Chris Rogers, Phil Jaques, Damien Wright, Anil Kumble and Julian Wood, and how their ideas changed his batting, spin bowling and mental game.

What we cover

• Param's story from Chandigarh to western Sydney

• Early sacrifices, club cricket and the NSW pathway

• Winning runs, setbacks and lessons from U19 cricket • Playing in the U19 World Cup Final against India

• The moment he realised he could compete at the next level • How Neil D Costa sharpened his technique and mindset

• What he learned from Chris Rogers and Phil Jaques in Aussie setups

• Behind the scenes stories from Punjab Kings IPL nets

• Conversations with Anil Kumble about spin and pressure

• Power hitting sessions with Julian Wood and modern batting trends

• How he rebuilt his game in premier cricket and as a coach

• Param's advice for young batters and spin bowling allrounders

Timestamps

0:00 Intro and who is Param Uppal

0:25 Growing up in India and western Sydney

3:32 Dad's influence and early coaching

3:41 Working with Neil D'Costa and simplifying technique

7:18 Bowling to Shane Watson and Andre Russell at

17 7:56 Thunder academy and learning from pros in the nets

14:22 Bowling to Jonny Bairstow and T20 spin tactics

20:48 Spotting future stars like Gilkes, Hardy and Green

22:21 Under 17 and Under 19 championships and early pressure

29:16 Handling expectations and trusting process as a young gun

35:56 Batting game plans and surviving tough spells

43:44 Jumping into NSW grade cricket and men's cricket

50:09 National Performance Squad with Marnus and the boot camp

56:00 U19 World Cup journey and handling the final v India

58:38 Shield and List A debuts and stepping into pro cricket

1:02:29 CA XI games v India and Pakistan and watching Kohli up close

1:06:32 First grade hundreds in Tassie and current season form

1:13:43 Balancing your own game with what the team needs

1:19:33 Weekly training structure and technical drills

1:25:59 Adapting your method and playing to your strengths

1:27:34 Advice for players out of form and rebuilding confidence

1:31:14 Draft XI game of players Param has played with

1:45:27 Underrated teammates and building a balanced XI

1:48:19 Final reflections and Param's playbook for modern cricketers