In this episode of The Cricket Mind Podcast, Nathan Wood and Briony Brock are joined by former England international cricketer and coach Laura MacLeod.

Laura represented England for over a decade and was part of the 2005 Ashes-winning squad. Since retiring she has held senior leadership roles in the women’s game, including Head of Women’s Cricket at Warwickshire.

In this wide-ranging conversation, we explore:

1. Why girls often drop out of sport in their teenage years
2. The challenges of transitioning from softball to hardball cricket
3. How clubs can genuinely prioritise girls’ cricket
4. The realities of coaching in the professional women’s game
5. What Laura’s research revealed about female coaching pathways

This episode is essential listening for players, parents, coaches and anyone interested in the future of women’s cricket.

00:00 – Why girls drop out of sport

01:17 – Introducing Laura MacLeod

02:23 – Laura’s England debut in 1997

06:48 – From pace bowler to opening batter

14:13 – Growth and professionalisation of women’s cricket

20:45 – Balancing cricket careers with education and life after sport

26:55 – Helping girls transition from softball to hardball

31:04 – Keeping cricket fun in performance environments

34:06 – Softball vs hardball pathways in club cricket

39:05 – Challenges women face in cricket that aren’t often discussed

47:32 – What great clubs do differently for girls’ cricket

55:05 – Laura’s research on female coaches in professional sport

01:07:14 – Advice for women aspiring to coach

01:10:34 – Identity and life beyond elite cricket

01:16:30 – The future of women’s cricket

01:21:34 – Online workshop: Making Cricket Pre-Season Count

Nathan, Briony and Ben Silver are hosting a live online workshop for ambitious cricketers aged 13–18 preparing for the upcoming season.

In this session players will learn:

• How to structure nets with purpose

• How practice transfers into match performance

• How to approach pre-season with clarity rather than guesswork

• Practical actions to improve their training immediately

The session also includes a live Q&A where players can ask their own questions.

👉 Book your place here:

www.cricketmind.online/events