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

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

Rising West Indies batter Amir Jangoo joins The Cerebral Cricketer Podcast to unpack the mental side of that debut hundred against Bangladesh, the doubts that came before it, and the faith that keeps him grounded when the game humbles him.

We go deep on how Amir thinks about failure, why he believes you must accept that you will fail as a professional, and how that frees him up to trust his preparation and play with clarity.

He breaks down the chase ball by ball, talks through the moment he was on 94 and decided he was going to hit a six for his century, and explains what it is like to be in that flow state where every option feels on.

Amir also reflects on his journey from Bradman U16 MVP in Sydney to first class debut for Trinidad and Tobago, a double hundred in domestic cricket, Super50 runs, sharing dressing rooms with West Indies stars, and dealing with the comedown after a dream debut tour when the next series does not go to plan.

If you are a young batter, coach or just a cricket tragic who loves the psychology of the game, this one is packed with real talk on confidence, doubt, routines, faith, and staying level when cricket takes you from hero to struggler and back again.

In this episode

• Story behind Amir's ODI debut hundred and record chase vs Bangladesh
• Fear of failure, second guessing yourself, and how pros learn to live with it Flow state, clarity and backing your options under pressure
• Bradman U16 in Sydney and early West Indies Under 19 memories
• First class debut for Trinidad and Tobago and learning from senior pros
• Domestic double hundred, Super50 runs and breaking into West Indies sides
• How faith, family and support networks keep him grounde

🎙 About The Cerebral Cricketer

The Cerebral Cricketer is a podcast where we explore the mental side of the game with players, coaches and experts.

We break down mindset, decision making and the inner conversations that shape performance.

If you enjoyed this episode with Amir Jangoo, please like, comment, subscribe, and share it with a teammate or coach who loves this side of cricket.

Timestamps

0:00 Intro and why Amir's debut hundred mattered

0:01:18 West Indies call up and getting the debut cap

0:02:56 Dropped catch, walking in at 4 for 86 and starting the chase

0:14:37 Fear of failure, faith, visualisation and scoring mindset

0:22:18 From debut high to Ireland struggles and mental reset

0:31:55 Dad, early love for cricket and confidence in his batting

0:36:51 Test match foundations, Red Force culture and value of first class cricket

0:53:15 Youth pathway, zonal cricket and wicketkeeping development

0:56:35 Bradman Under 16 tour to Sydney and MVP at Bradman Oval

1:04:16 First class debut, double hundred and big domestic seasons

1:16:29 Franchise cricket lessons from Pollard, Shakib and other global stars

1:23:43 Adapting to Dubai, Bangladesh and New Zealand conditions and the short ball

1:35:57 Draft XI mini game picking an XI from his team mates

1:51:28 Fast bowling stories and final advice for young cricketers

NSW future star William Salzmann joins The Cerebral Cricketer to unpack the mind behind his batting.

From coming through the NSW pathway and U19 World Cup, to opening the batting for the Blues and scoring big runs, Salzmann takes us inside his batting philosophy, how he builds his game around strong defence, and what his mental routines actually look like in the middle.

We dig into how he rewired his self talk, deals with negative thoughts after a mistake, and gets back into flow state ball by ball.

He shares how he plans an innings, his between ball routines, the cues he uses at the crease, and the role of coaches, mentors and senior players in shaping his mindset.

We also have some fun picking an underdog Ashes side, talking about facing quality bowling, and what it really takes to turn promise into a long career.

If you are a young batter, an all rounder, a coach, or just love the mental side of cricket, this one is packed with practical insights you can steal for your own game.

Timestamps

0:00 Introduction

1:30 Navigating Injuries

5:00 Opening the batting with dad

07:00 Cricket as a Child

14:00 Coaching from Neil D'Costa

25:00 Adjustments when opening the batting

33:00 How top batsmen stay present

44:00 How to Use Breathwork as a Batsman

46:00 Negative self talk

56:00 Do some batsmen not feel fear?

1:01:00 Coming in at 5/23

1:05:00 Green shield vs Sam konstas

1:10:00 Age group carnival

1:12:00 U19 WC

1:18:00 Debut for NSW

1:23:00 5/23 and scoring a 100

1:26:00 NSW Debut at the WACA

1:31:00 Fantasy Draft - Best Ashes T20 XI

1:52:00 Wrapping Up

Queensland Bulls quick Callum Vidler joins The Cerebral Cricketer to unpack his need for speed, what it feels like to bowl 140kph plus, and why he is always hunting poles rather than bowling safe.

From U19 World Cup glory with Australia to a breakout Sheffield Shield final for Queensland, Callum opens up about the mindset behind fast bowling, learning to compete hard without losing control, and how he uses pace as his point of difference.

In this episode we cover

- Growing up in Brisbane and discovering he could bowl genuinely fast

- School and club cricket, and the moment he realised cricket could be a career

- U19 World Cup memories, handling knockout pressure and "mind games" with batters

- Breaking into Shield cricket for Queensland and that 4 for in the Shield final

- What "hunting poles" actually means for him as a fast bowler

- Managing adrenaline, routines between balls and staying present at the top of his mark

- Dealing with an early injury setback and using rehab to come back better, not bitter

- Fast bowling role models, from Queensland greats to international quicks he studies

If you enjoy deep dives into the mental side of cricket, mindset and performance, hit subscribe and share this episode with a fellow cricket tragic.

Timestamps

0:00 Intro and Callum's cricket story so far

18:00 Handling drop catches, anger and extra pace

19:46 Not being greedy and the best ball plan

20:28 Simple game plan, top of off and bouncers

25:38 Fast bowling journey, never being told to slow down

27:40 Early technical tweaks and no back injuries yet

28:46 Grade cricket light bulb moment, finding extra pace

32:15 Intensity, gears and learning from Dale Steyn

33:52 Injuries, hunger and loving bowling again

34:28 Under 19 nationals and Ryan Harris as coach

35:21 Playing nationals at 17 and teammates like Hugh Weibgen

49:15 Game day fuelling and diet lessons from England

50:26 Warm up, sleep and first ball mindset

51:31 Switching on mentally without heavy meditation

52:05 Planning for batters without overloading on analysis

1:00:44 Shield final bowling plans and Andy Bichel's message

1:01:33 Beamer then beauty to remove Nathan McSweeney

1:02:26 Body language, run up tempo and staying calm in the final

1:03:02 Mindset defending 95 and staying in the moment

1:04:32 Tackling flat wickets and using pace as a point of difference

1:07:20 Under 19 World Cup selection and move to South Africa

1:08:26 Cross seam bounce, South African pitches and Aussie quicks

1:09:24 Four for vs England, cross seam and DLS twist

1:14:20 Batting with Raf McMillan to finish a chase

1:15:00 Preparing for the World Cup final vs India

1:16:25 Resetting after bad balls in a high pressure final

1:24:42 Learning from Marnus and game awareness in Shield cricket

1:25:06 Playing Shield cricket against Sam Konstas after the World Cup

1:26:33 Partial back stress fracture and missing an Australia tour

1:27:04 Injury emotions, staying around the group and Harvey Bay trip

1:28:14 Studying finance, life outside cricket and rehab runs

1:29:16 Hunger to return and not taking cricket for granted

1:35:14 Bowling when sore, being present and finding a way on tough days

Top Order Premier Cricket Sensation Aryan Jain has a unique journey that runs from London School of Economics to state cricket and a breakout season in Premier cricket.

In this episode he explains the simple process that lets him score runs even when he feels out of touch, how he separates technical, mental, and tactical work, and the exact routine he uses between balls.

We cover his first class debut for Queensland, lessons from English conditions, facing high pace as a teen, handling selection pressure, and the reflection checklist he uses after dismissals.

He also walks through the innings that produced 203 not out and why he now builds in sets of six balls rather than chasing milestones.

What you will learn

• How to train technique on the machine, then compete in net sessions with a clean mind

• The pre ball routine, relax, reflect, refocus, that keeps decision quality high

• Tactical cues for swing, why driving square can be lower risk in England

• Arousal control on match day, how he dials up or down to hit his optimal state

• The post dismissal checklist, preparation, mental, tactical, then technical

• Why you do not need to feel good to score runs, plus examples that prove it

Timestamps

00:00 Cold open, the chess match hook

01:00 Who is Aryan Jain, quick bio and current form

03:30 Origin story, backyard to junior reps

07:30 Pathway, selection highs and lows

12:00 Game model, scoring template and strong zones

20:00 White ball plans, power play and death options

27:00 Red ball clarity, leave game and first 20 balls

34:00 Pressure control, between balls routine

39:00 Temperaments, switching styles to suit the moment

45:00 Preparation week, drills, data, recovery

51:00 Team culture and leadership, clear roles

56:00 Adversity and form dips, rebuild method

62:00 203 not out, sets of six and patience

69:00 Fan questions, gear, venues, hardest bowlers

74:00 Rapid fire, habits and favorites

77:00 Closing messages and where to follow