Fawad Ahmed's journey is one of the most remarkable stories in Australian cricket.

After arriving in Australia as an asylum seeker, Fawad went from playing local cricket at Hoppers Crossing to representing the Australian national team in less than 12 months.

In this episode, we explore the incredible rise, the uncertainty, the pressure, and the mindset that shaped his journey.

Fawad opens up about leaving Pakistan, rebuilding his life in Australia, working survival jobs, finding his way through Melbourne club cricket, and eventually earning the chance to wear the Australian shirt.

We also discuss the craft of leg spin, the influence of Shane Warne, the mental battle of bowling, faith, prayer, blocking out external noise, and what it takes to keep believing when the odds seem stacked against you.

This is a conversation about cricket, survival, faith, identity, resilience, and the inner journey behind performance.

If you enjoy deep cricket conversations that go beyond technique and statistics, make sure to like, comment and subscribe to The Cerebral Cricketer.

#FawadAhmed #AustralianCricket #CricketPodcast #TheCerebralCricketer #CricketAustralia #LegSpin #ShaneWarne #BBL #MelbourneCricket #CricketMindset

Timestamps

00:00 Intro

01:23 Learning leg spin in Pakistan

02:01 Backyard cricket, tape-ball and early cricket memories

03:16 Shane Warne's influence on Fawad Ahmed

04:20 Choosing leg spin in a fast-bowling culture

06:00 Personality, dressing-room energy and relationships

08:19 Meeting Shane Warne at the MCG

12:14 The advice Shane Warne gave him

13:25 Faith, hardship and arriving in Australia

16:25 Survival mode, halal food and adjusting to a new country

17:58 Fruit picking, fencing work and rebuilding his life

20:46 "Be a man and face it"

23:23 How cricket became a mental recharge

25:58 Did hardship give Fawad an edge?

30:03 Getting dropped, failure and coming back stronger

32:18 From Hoppers Crossing to playing for Australia

33:24 Did Fawad ever visualise playing for Australia?

35:04 Earning respect through performance

39:23 The pressure of playing international cricket

40:00 Bowling the final over against England

42:48 Less than 12 months from Hoppers Crossing to Australia

43:36 What changed from club cricket to the Australian team

48:21 Being Muslim in Australian cricket

50:01 Halal food, fasting and questions from teammates

54:19 Resilience, bad days and accepting hardship

56:00 Prayer, spirituality and blocking out the noise

58:50 Fajr, sleep and four-day cricket

1:04:05 Playing with cricket's biggest names

1:06:02 Pollard, Rashid Khan, Sunil Narine and T20 greats

1:08:15 Virat Kohli's impact on modern cricket

1:10:43 Final reflections

1:13:49 Outro

We are joined by Shannon Young, founder of YoungGun Cricket and CEO of Cricket Performance Lab.

Shannon is a former Richmond Cricket Club Head Coach in Victorian Premier Cricket and has worked across private coaching, Premier Cricket and high-performance pathway environments.

He has helped develop home-grown first-class cricketers and brings a unique perspective on what it actually takes to progress from club cricket to higher levels of the game.

In this conversation, we explore the psychology behind player development, understanding the person behind the cricketer, identifying behavioural patterns, building trust as a coach, and why modern coaching has to go beyond batting technique alone.

We also discuss Cricket Performance Lab, cricket technology, bat fitting, BPI, game education, young talent, Premier Cricket, and what separates talented players from players who are genuinely ready for the next level.

This episode is for cricketers, coaches, parents and serious cricket followers who want to better understand how modern players are developed, both technically and mentally.

#CricketPodcast #ShannonYoung #TheCerebralCricketer #CricketCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #PremierCricket #CricketPerformanceLab

Timestamps

00:00 Intro to Shannon Young

00:57 Shannon's coaching journey

02:00 Players Shannon has worked with

03:05 Cricket Performance Lab and elite players

04:20 Jason Gillespie, Richmond and Glenn Maxwell context

06:00 Premier Cricket's role in developing talent

08:15 Building Richmond's academy model

10:00 Talent, belief and hard coaching

12:30 Standards, fielding and the 1% mindset

15:00 Pressure, trust and giving players ownership

18:10 Identifying and stretching young talent

20:10 Backing youth over established club players

22:00 Talent, environment and decision-making

27:15 The one club approach at Richmond

32:00 Traditional coaching vs modern cricket

33:25 Shannon's traffic light system

35:00 Jake Fraser-McGurk, risk and match-winning talent

39:20 Technique, foundations and power hitting

45:00 Shannon's personal story and coaching philosophy

50:00 Coaching the person behind the player

54:00 Mental performance, self-awareness and pressure

56:10 Neurodiversity, life context and performance

1:00:00 Understanding player responses and the Mitch Perry story

1:06:00 Coaching philosophy beyond technique

1:10:00 Learning from elite players and asking why

1:11:20 Cricket Performance Lab explained

1:14:00 Bat fitting, BPI and the 1% edge

1:17:20 Babar Azam and CPL insights

1:21:20 Final advice for young cricketers

1:22:20 Jake Fraser-McGurk, Glenn Phillips and challenging the game

1:24:10 Outro

In this episode of The Cerebral Cricketer, we sit down with Tom Scollay, former professional cricketer for Middlesex and founder of Cricket Mentoring.

Tom shares his journey from growing up in Alice Springs to playing professional cricket in England, including his experiences at Middlesex and Lord's.

We also explore the deeper side of cricket development, including confidence, pressure, mindset, parental influence, preparation and why so many talented young cricketers struggle to reach their full potential.

Tom also breaks down the philosophy behind Cricket Mentoring and its holistic approach to developing players beyond just technique, looking at the technical, tactical, mental, emotional, physical and lifestyle sides of the game.

This conversation is a must-listen for young cricketers, parents, coaches and anyone interested in the mental and emotional side of cricket.

Topics covered:

* Tom's journey from Alice Springs to Middlesex

* Playing professional cricket at Lord's

* Why talent alone is not enough

* The difference between coaching and mentoring

* The mental and emotional side of cricket

* How parents can better support young cricketers

* Why players lose confidence and enjoyment

* Cricket Mentoring's 6 Pillars of Success

* How young cricketers can understand themselves better

Guest: Tom Scollay

Follow Cricket Mentoring:

https://cricketmentoring.com/ https://www.instagram.com/cricketmentoring/

Timestamps

00:00 Intro

01:17 Growing up in Alice Springs

03:00 Falling in love with cricket

06:23 Studying the game before smartphones

07:43 Playing for Northern Territory

09:29 Facing future Australian stars as a junior

11:52 Steve Smith and the viral net session

13:32 Playing against older cricketers

17:17 Moving to Perth and joining Melville

19:05 The move to England and Middlesex

21:55 Hitting 24 in the first over on trial

23:41 Earning a Middlesex contract

24:17 Playing with Eoin Morgan, Chris Rogers and Andrew Strauss

25:22 Playing with freedom and making a statement

38:08 Self-worth, results and young cricketers

40:16 What parents should say after a game

43:03 The danger of forcing your dream onto your child

46:20 Lord's debut, pressure and imposter syndrome

01:03:51 Technique, tactics and the mental side of batting

01:06:08 Cricket Mentoring's 6 Pillars of Success

01:06:57 Facing world-class T20 players

01:14:38 Advice for young cricketers

01:15:31 Outro

We sit down with Aryan Sharma, an Australia U19 all-rounder and Victorian rookie, for a powerful conversation about cricket, family, belief and the journey towards professional cricket.

Aryan's story is about much more than runs, wickets and selections. Behind his rise through the Australian pathway is a family story built on sacrifice, especially the role of his father, who came to Australia with $500 and spent years driving him to training, games and carnivals without complaint.

Aryan opens up about representing Australia at U19 level, earning a rookie contract with Victoria, learning from elite players in the Melbourne Stars and Victorian environments, and the pressure of trying to build a professional cricket career at a young age.

We also speak about confidence, faith, gratitude, taking positives from difficult situations, handling fear of failure, breathwork, batting with clarity, bowling spin in the modern game, and the mindset required to keep improving.

This was a very honest and grounded conversation with one of the exciting young all-rounders coming through Australian cricket.

Topics covered:

• Australia U19 journey

• Victoria rookie contract

• Family sacrifice and immigrant story

• His father's role in his cricket journey

• Faith, gratitude and belief

• Handling pressure and fear of failure

• Breathwork and staying present

• Confidence as a young cricketer

• Learning from Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis and the Melbourne Stars

• Batting, spin bowling and becoming a genuine all-rounder

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment and subscribe for more long-form conversations on cricket, mindset and performance.

Timestamps

00:00 Intro

02:40 Learning from Glenn Maxwell

04:57 Becoming a genuine all-rounder

06:29 U19 World Cup semi-final pressure

08:22 Breathwork, nerves and clarity

09:59 Learning to bat longer

11:50 Red ball vs white ball mindset

12:56 Good risks vs bad risks

13:30 Aryan's early cricket journey

15:00 Becoming a left-arm spinner

18:57 Virat Kohli's influence

21:15 The viral Boxing Day Test poster

23:31 Faith, gratitude and perspective

27:00 Representing Australia U19s

28:04 His father's sacrifices

31:25 Family support and his sisters

33:06 His father coming to Australia with $500

35:33 U17 carnival and pathway cricket

38:47 Method to the madness

39:22 Confidence and fear of failure

43:03 Dressing room culture

44:07 Playing against future Australia U19 teammates

48:56 Australia U19 debut series against India

51:23 Oliver Peake and teammate success

54:26 Getting a Victoria rookie contract

55:12 No handouts, earning his place

56:44 Chris Rogers' advice

58:06 Melbourne Stars experience

01:01:13 Haris Rauf and facing high pace

01:02:26 Batting clarity and staying still

01:08:09 Breathwork, recovery and professionalism

01:09:52 Downtime, music and Ronaldo

01:13:09 Outro

#Cricket #AryanSharma #AustraliaU19 #VictorianCricket #TheCerebralCricketer #CricketPodcast #CricketAustralia #MelbourneStars #CricketMindset

We sit down with Harjas Singh, one of the most exciting young left-handed batters in Australian cricket.

Harjas is a 2024 Under-19 World Cup winner, Australia's top scorer in the final against India, the Western Suburbs batter who smashed a record-breaking 314 off 141 balls, and has now earned his first NSW rookie contract.

In this conversation, Harjas opens up about what the NSW rookie contract means to him, how life changes when cricket becomes your profession, and the hard work still ahead as he looks to push towards a full contract and future BBL opportunities.

We also explore one of the most unique parts of Harjas' journey, his background in Sikh/Punjabi martial arts. Harjas explains how training with sticks and swords from a young age helped develop his wrist and arm strength, and how that physical base carries into his batting.

This episode also dives deep into the mental side of the game. Harjas shares how breathwork helps him manage adrenaline, calm his nerves, stay present, and avoid getting caught up in past failures or future outcomes.

He reflects on the mindset shift that helped him enjoy his cricket more, focus on his Monday to Friday preparation, and produce a breakout season in NSW Premier Cricket.

A fascinating conversation on culture, power hitting, breathwork, pressure, staying present, and the journey from junior cricket to becoming a NSW professional.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction

00:36 NSW rookie contract and becoming a pro

03:55 Punjabi martial arts and life outside cricket

08:30 Faith, adrenaline and demonstrations

10:00 How martial arts connects to batting

11:21 Breathwork and controlling nerves

14:02 Staying present and calm

16:10 Batting instincts, zones and the 314 mindset

19:14 Junior cricket, pressure and enjoying the game

22:23 Preparation over outcomes

23:44 Family, Westfields and his dad's influence

28:53 Facing genuine pace and Australia U19 selection

32:40 England U19 debut and Youth Test hundred

38:12 U19 World Cup memories

41:22 World Cup final against India

44:16 Sydney Sixers and learning from elite players

48:57 Breakout Premier Cricket season and adapting formats

52:19 Switching off between balls

54:35 Matchups, T20 batting and grade cricket lessons

57:12 Best players, hardest bowlers and best advice

01:00:10 Advice for young cricketers

01:00:59 Final words

#HarjasSingh #TheCerebralCricketer #CricketPodcast #NSWCricket #SydneySixers #U19WorldCup #AustralianCricket #PunjabiCricket #CricketMindset #BattingTips #Breathwork #CricketTraining

In this episode of The Cerebral Cricketer, I'm joined by New Zealand international all-rounder Scott Kuggeleijn for a deep and honest conversation about what it really takes to understand your game.

Scott has represented the Black Caps across all three formats, built an outstanding domestic career with Northern Districts, and been part of elite IPL environments with Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore.

We dive into the mindset behind his explosive 19-ball fifty in New Zealand first-class cricket, why so many cricketers struggle to truly know their own game, and how players can avoid getting lost in technical overload, bad advice and the pressure to please coaches.

Scott also opens up about his unique bowling action, learning from his father, developing self-awareness as a fast bowler, the worst advice he ever received, and the importance of honest conversations in cricket environments.

We also discuss what it was like being around names like MS Dhoni, Shane Watson, Dwayne Bravo, AB de Villiers, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Kieron Pollard, Kane Williamson, Daniel Vettori and Shaun Tait, plus the lessons he picked up across the IPL, CPL and other franchise tournaments.

This is a must-watch for young cricketers, fast bowlers, all-rounders, coaches, and anyone interested in the mental side of cricket.

Topics covered:

Scott Kuggeleijn's cricket journey

Growing up with a father who played for New Zealand

His unique catapult-style bowling action

The mindset behind his 19-ball fifty

Why self-awareness matters in cricket

How to handle coaching advice

The danger of overthinking technique

Shaun Tait's advice on bowling fast

Kane Williamson's cricket mind

Inside CSK, Mumbai Indians and RCB

AB de Villiers' humility

Virat Kohli's energy and confidence

Fast bowling tactics and franchise cricket

Subscribe for more deep-dive cricket conversations on mindset, performance, pressure and the inner game.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction

00:39 Growing Up In A Cricket Family

01:45 Scott's Unique Bowling Action

05:23 Training For Fast Bowling

07:12 Becoming A Bowling All Rounder

08:04 The 19 Ball Fifty

10:01 The Mindset Behind The Innings

15:31 Why Overcoaching Can Hurt Players

16:27 Being Your Own Best Coach

19:30 Honest Conversations With Coaches

21:38 Why Some Players Get Stuck

28:19 The Worst Bowling Advice He Received

32:00 Knowing What Type Of Bowler You Are

36:22 Simple Mental Cues That Work

37:36 Understanding Your Role In The Team

40:43 Why Fast Bowlers Need Gears

45:28 The Jump To International Cricket

48:20 Shaun Tait's Advice On Bowling Fast

51:38 Kane Williamson And Daniel Vettori

53:24 Champions League T20 Lessons

55:57 Beating Mumbai Indians

58:20 Inside Chennai Super Kings

01:03:25 Why CSK Back Their Players

01:05:24 CSK's Calm Environment

01:06:45 Bowling To KL Rahul And Chris Gayle

01:09:10 Mumbai Indians And RCB Experiences

01:10:45 AB De Villiers' Humility

01:11:43 Virat Kohli's Energy

01:12:42 Franchise Cricket Around The World

01:15:13 The Cutthroat Reality Of Franchise Cricket

01:16:30 Handling Pressure In Professional Cricket

01:19:46 Life Outside Cricket

01:21:18 Test Cricket And England's Bazball Approach

01:26:21 Nathan Lyon, Australia And Steve Smith

01:28:07 Most Impressive Bowlers He Has Seen

01:29:38 Jesse Ryder And Shane Watson

01:32:49 Dutch Roots And Netherlands Cricket

01:34:48 Final Reflections

In this episode of The Cerebral Cricketer, Italy international batter AJ Mosca breaks down the journey to Italy's first ever men's T20 World Cup, the mindset behind his match-winning 62 not out against Nepal, and the adjustments needed to succeed at the highest level of the game.

AJ reflects on his cricketing journey from the Sydney grade system to the international stage, and shares how years of refinement, self-awareness and preparation helped shape his game. He opens up about preparing for elite bowling attacks, developing new scoring options against both spin and pace, and learning how to stay clear, composed and decisive in high-pressure moments.

The conversation also explores the mental side of batting, including AJ's in-game process, the idea of flow state, and the importance of trusting your method when the stakes are at their highest. He also speaks powerfully about what Italy's rise meant to him personally, the emotion behind that historic World Cup moment, and why representing Italy alongside his brother made it even more special.

This is a fascinating conversation on mindset, adjustment, identity and performance, and a deep insight into one of the most memorable stories of Italy's rise on the world cricket stage.

Timestamps

00:00 Intro

00:43 Childhood, family and choosing cricket

05:50 Cricket in Rome

07:31 Crazy synthetic wickets

12:40 Early coaches and batting journey

17:46 Reflection and skill development

20:03 Building the baseball swing

23:47 The mental jump to international cricket

27:20 Facing pace and spin at World Cup level

34:07 Four years of World Cup preparation

38:32 The Nepal game plan

43:07 Flow state in the 62*

45:24 AJ's batting process explained

48:44 The emotion behind the celebration

53:44 Facing England with belief

56:00 Sydney grade teammates in Italy's side

01:04:35 Learning from big names in club cricket

01:06:23 Italy's World Cup learnings