Secrets to Scoring Big Runs with Steve James

Cricket Matters

In this episode, hosts Josh Kennedy and James Breese are joined by former England cricketer and Glamorgan captain, Steve James. With a career spanning 17 seasons and expertise in both cricket and rugby, Steve shares his experiences, insights, and personal journey from professional cricket to coaching.

You’ll Learn:

• Steve emphasizes how maintaining fitness impacts both physical and mental stamina, reflecting on his disciplined approach to running between wickets and long innings.
• The mental challenges of batting, how to handle failure, and the significance of turning the “volume” up or down when concentrating at the crease.
• Steve's philosophy on coaching, emphasizing helping individuals rather than dictating, and how conversations guide players toward self-improvement.
• Steve explains the evolution of batting techniques and how modern cricketers can learn from fundamentals while incorporating new styles.

Key Takeaways:

• For Steve, fitness was not just physical but a mental tool that allowed him to push through long innings and challenging opponents. His routine of extra training and running helped prepare him for big scores.
• Whether in Test or T20 formats, Steve believes mastering head and hands fundamentals is key to hitting the ball more consistently, no matter the format or technique.
• Steve’s philosophy of taking one ball at a time helped him overcome the pressure of expectations. Staying focused on the moment was crucial in building long innings.
• One of the standout lessons from Steve is to let players figure out their own path while offering guidance. This approach fosters a deeper understanding and ownership of their game.
• From learning to switch between focus and relaxation to dealing with personal struggles, Steve’s journey shows how cricket requires mental strength both on and off the field.

Quotes:
"You can only play one ball at a time—focus on that, and the big scores will come."
"Coaching isn’t about dictating, it’s about helping each individual find their own way."
"Batting is a game of failure—you need to learn how to handle it and come back stronger."

Find Steve James on:

• The Times

Find James on:

• Instagram: @jamesbreese
• Twitter: @_jamesbreese

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