In this episode, we dive into a conversation that’s long overdue—mental health and confidence issues in women’s cricket. We reflect on the hidden struggles female athletes face, beyond just technique or skill. From fear of failure to the need for reassurance, this one’s about the mindset shifts that matter most.

You’ll Learn:

• The unseen mental challenges female cricketers face. We break down how fear of judgment, lack of experience, and internal self-doubt often hold back performance more than technical skill ever could.
• How confidence impacts on-field decision-making. From running between wickets to bowling under pressure, a lack of self-belief can limit the execution of good decisions.
• The role of coaches and community in mindset development. James shares how intentional support and reassurance can empower female players to grow into leadership roles and take initiative.
• Why female athletes may outperform in coachability. Compared to men, women are often more receptive to feedback and eager to understand the ‘why’ behind training methods, making them more adaptive and growth-focused.

Key Takeaways:

• Confidence trumps technique in grassroots women’s cricket. Without self-belief, even technically sound players may hesitate or underperform due to fear of failure or judgment.
• Female athletes often seek reassurance. Coaches must recognize the psychological weight many players carry, from life stress to inexperience, and foster a safe space for mistakes.
• Performance improves with fearless play. When female teams adopt a mindset that accepts mistakes, they often outperform opponents through bold strategies like aggressive running.
• Women tend to be more coachable. Their openness to feedback and willingness to engage makes them ideal students of the game, especially when given clear rationale.
• Small actions build long-term leadership. Teaching practical responsibilities—setting up the field, organizing gear—can instill agency and boost confidence off the pitch.

Quotes:

“It’s okay to make a mistake. That’s part of the plan.”

“The hidden struggle in the women’s game is confidence and self-belief.”

“Female athletes often display traits of high-performance mindsets more than men.”

Find James on:

• Instagram: @jamesbreese
• Twitter: @_jamesbreese

To learn more about Cricket Matters and download your FREE copy of The High-Performance Handbook, please visit www.cricketmatters.com

In this episode of Cricket Matters, we dive into a topic that’s close to every batter’s heart: what actually counts as a good batting average in club cricket? We crunch the numbers, challenge the myths, and share a reality check that every aspiring player needs to hear.

You’ll Learn:

• Why averages alone don’t tell the full story. We explore how focusing only on your batting average can be misleading and why it’s crucial to consider 50+ scores and conversion rates for a true performance assessment.
• What elite player stats reveal about consistency. James breaks down test, ODI, and T20 data from cricket legends like Tendulkar, Kohli, and Joe Root to show how often even the greats “fail”—and what that means for club players.
• How to benchmark yourself as a club cricketer. You’ll get a data-driven framework for what a “good” batting performance looks like depending on your role in the lineup, from opener to tail-ender.
• The mindset shift needed for performance improvement. We unpack why many club cricketers overrate themselves based on one good knock and how to take ownership of your form with honesty and data.

Key Takeaways:

• 50+ scores are more important than average alone. A high average can be inflated by not-outs or low-pressure runs. What really matters is how often you’re converting starts into match-defining scores.
• Even the greatest cricketers get out a lot. Legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting scored 50+ runs in only about 35% of innings. That means failing 65% of the time is still elite performance.
• Joe Root and Virat Kohli are statistical outliers. Their incredible consistency, with nearly 50% of innings over 50 runs, puts them on a level unmatched even among the top 10 run-scorers of all time.
• Club performance must be evaluated across 10 innings. One-off big scores don’t prove form. Patterns over 10 innings give a clearer picture of who’s performing—and who just got lucky.
• Your division should reflect your performance level. If you’re averaging 80 but playing low-division cricket, you’re not being challenged. Conversely, low scores at high levels may mean it’s time to regroup.

Quotes:

“In cricket, the stats don’t lie—and they don’t lie over time.”

“Everyone remembers their 74, but forgets their 12 and 3.”

“Batting average without conversion stats is only half the story.”

Find James on:

• Instagram: @jamesbreese
• Twitter: @_jamesbreese

To learn more about Cricket Matters and download your FREE copy of The High-Performance Handbook, please visit www.cricketmatters.com

In this episode of The Cricket Matters Podcast, we dive into a topic that’s often ignored once the season begins—in-season strength training. We get it—game days, practice, and recovery all take time, but we’re here to show you why skipping the gym could be the biggest mistake you make this season.

You’ll Learn:

• Why In-Season Strength Training Matters: Skipping the gym during the season can lead to performance drops, injuries, and unwanted weight gain. We explain how continuing to train—even at reduced intensity—keeps you game-ready.
• How to Train Without Overtraining: In-season workouts should be lower in volume but still explosive and intentional. We talk through how to adjust your routine without burning out.
• Avoiding the Off-Season Reset: Losing strength mid-season means wasting the off-season rebuilding what you already had. Learn how to maintain muscle mass so you can use the off-season to get ahead, not catch up.
• Simple Training Strategies That Work: You don’t need hours in the gym—30-minute full-body sessions with smart movements like kettlebell swings and Turkish getups are enough. We break it down for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Consistency is king—even during the season. Athletes who train consistently throughout the season stay stronger, healthier, and more explosive.
• Reduced volume doesn’t mean reduced results. Strategic, focused workouts with lighter loads still maintain strength and prevent decline.
• Weight gain affects performance more than you think. Carrying even a few extra kilos can slow you down, increase injury risk, and hurt match-day results.
• Game fuel can be a trap. Treats like sweets and post-game beers are fine in moderation—but they must be balanced with continued training.
• The season is just getting started. Don’t back off now—this is when your strength work matters most to carry you through the months ahead.

Quotes:

“In-season is the time to maintain the strength you’ve gained.”

“The more unathletic you become, the more it impacts your performance.”

“Thirty minutes, full-body, in and out—that’s all it takes.”

Find James on:

• Instagram: @jamesbreese
• Twitter: @_jamesbreese

To learn more about Cricket Matters and download your FREE copy of The High-Performance Handbook, please visit www.cricketmatters.com