Lessons Learnt with the Greats

Today's guest on this episode of Lessons Learnt with the Greats is a true batting technician and one of my favourite teammates, Chris 'Bucky' Rogers. Bucky was a run machine as a left-handed opening batsmen, compiling more than 25,000 runs and 76 centuries at first-class level, not to mention his 25 Tests in the Baggy Green. It's why there is perhaps nobody better to talk batting technique and the mental side of batting than Bucky, who shares the lessons he has learned across his playing and coaching careers. Bucky also shares his experiences with the media, investing and the inspiring people he has met in this fascinating chat. I hope you enjoy it.Episode Rundown02:30 - We start with an honest declaration: Bucky and I didn't see eye-to-eye when we first met but when he returned to the Test team in 2013 we hit it off and became great mates. Here we remember that first meeting before talking about Bucky's career highlights.12:45 - Bucky then shares his expertise in the art of batting and how he found what worked for him.28:08 - The mental side of batting is just as important as the technical side so here we go in deeper into the methods Bucky used.39:15 - Bucky has been on either side of the media and here he shares his experiences.44:52 - Here we speak about investing and what Bucky would have done differently if he had his time again.50:00 - The mantras and sayings Bucky lives by.55:31 - The inspiring people Bucky has met.59:50 - We finish with Bucky sharing the books that have had the most impact on him. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

During the late 1980s and '90s there was no fast bowler mimicked more in the backyard than today's guest on Lessons Learnt with the Greats, Merv Hughes. Merv was part of the trailblazing group under Allan Border that led Australia out of the doldrums to the top of the world. His aggression, attitude and serious skill led Merv to take 212 Test wickets for his country along with hundreds more for his beloved Victoria. In this episode, Merv talks about his beginnings, the advice that has stuck with him to this day and how he became one of Australia's most successful and revered fast bowlers. I hope you enjoy it.Episode rundown:01:22 - Merv had a brilliant international career and we start by chatting about a couple of his highlights, from taking on the mighty Windies to the historic '89 Ashes series in England07:25 - We then dig into the technical side of fast bowling and what worked for Merv10:02 - Next Merv talks about the mental side of the game and how he developed his mental skills14:37 - We move back to the technical side to discuss what Merv focused on during play19:29 - Merv played a lot of high-level cricket and to do that he had to stay as fit as possible. While he admits he carried a bit of extra weight, Merv explains how he became the hardest trainer in any team he represented25:02 - Here Merv talks about the best version of himself and goes on to talk about how aspiring players are being over-coached at a young age39:50 - Merv has been on both sides of the media and here he shares his experiences of how times have changed47:09 - We next move off the field to how Merv has invested and handled his finances58:53 - Merv shares the mantras he lives by1:04:32 - We finish with the inspiring people Merv has met and the books that have had an impact on him Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our first guest of 2021 is one of my old teammates and one of the most skilled fast bowlers I have ever played with, Ryan Harris. Ryno came into international cricket late in his career but boy, he didn't waste any time making an impact and helped Australia win the 2013-14 Ashes and the following series in South Africa. Since his retirement in 2015, Ryno has turned his attention towards coaching and on this episode he shares the invaluable lessons he has learnt as a player and a coach. Episode rundown02:58 - We start by talking through Ryno's career highlights, namely the 2013-14 Ashes and 2014 tour of South Africa13:14 - Ryno was a master of his craft and here he explains what worked for him and his technical checklist22:18 - Managing injury is part and parcel of being a fast bowler and here is how Ryno looked after his body30:09 - We then talk about the mental side of the game and how Ryno had to develop and work on his mental skills throughout his career42:13 - Having suffered a number of setbacks in his playing days, Ryno learnt different ways to deals with each challenge48:01 - We discuss how Ryno handled the media and his advice for aspiring players using social media54:20 - Ryno talks about how he has handled his income and what he would change if he had his time over again1:01:20 - Here Ryno talks about the mantra he lives by1:05:56 - The inspiring people Ryno has met1:11:34 - We finish with Ryno discussing his favourite documentaries Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today is a special episode of Lessons Learnt with the Greats, focusing on the mental side of the game. I've been lucky enough to speak to some of the games greatest players about how they developed their mental skills and what their ultimate mindset looked like. Today we hear from five legends – Shane Warne, Allan Border, Kevin Pietersen, Mike Hussey and AB de Villiers about how they handled the mental aspects of cricket. I hope you enjoy it.Episode Rundown00:56 - Shane Warne09:31 - Allan Border21:35 - Kevin Pietersen30:44 - Mike Hussey38:39 - AB de Villiers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Lessons Learnt with the Greats I am lucky enough to chat to another one of my fierce Ashes rivals, Ian Bell. Belly was one of the finest and classiest batsmen I played against, particularly during the 2013 Ashes series in England where we could not get him out!. In our chat we discuss the importance of preparation, finding the right mindset, putting faith in the right people and how to handle the modern traps of a professional athlete. It was truly a privilege to speak to Belly and I hope you get out of it as much as I have.Rundown03:11 - After our introductions we start with Belly's career highlights, which involve two Ashes wins and a memorable series victory in India09:18 - We move to the technical side of the game and discuss batting and how Belly became such a quality player of spin bowling17:18 - Belly was always a fit cricketer and here he reveals the coach that pushed him to another level21:39 - The mental side of cricket is equally as important as the physical, and here Belly explains his mindset and who he learnt from in the England team34:48 - Belly talks about how he handled the media and the dangers social media presents to modern players40:39 - I believe how players manage their wealth is extremely important and Belly shares how he has handled that aspect of life46:44 - The mantra Belly lives by48:40 - How becoming a children's ambassador gave Belly a new perspective50:33 - We finish with the books and documentaries Belly has enjoyed Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

During his five-year Test career, nobody took more wickets than this week's guest on Lessons Learnt with the Greats, former England spinner Graeme Swann. Swanny was a master of his craft, spinning his country to memorable wins in Australia and India and playing a huge part in England becoming the No.1 Test team in the world. What really impressed me was Swanny's simple yet beautiful perspective on cricket and life and how he mastered off-spin bowling by trusting his gut and learning a secret weapon from an Australian great. It's a wonderful chat with my old Ashes foe and as is always the case with Swanny, there are plenty of laughs. Rundown01:18 - We start by going over some of Swanny's remarkable stats and how managed the pressure of playing at the highest level11:18 - We discuss one of Swanny's career highlights (and lowlights for my Australian team) from the 2010 Adelaide Test 19:45 - Swanny talks off-spin and how he ignored coaching advice 26:48 - Swanny had two cricket goals; take a five-for at Lord's and score a Test century. He achieved one and here we talk about how he'd give up 100 wickets for the other31:55 - We chat fitness and how Swanny's troublesome elbow brought an end to his career38:50 - Swanny talks about the mental side of the game and how he thought slip catching was the ultimate test of concentration46:52 - Here Swanny reveals how an Aussie legend taught him the ball that brought him countless wickets54:19 - Swanny's take on the media on either side of the fence59:12 - We talk finance and what Swanny would have done differently 1:03:42 - Swanny shares his life mantra and the inspiring people he has met1:08:20 - We finish with Swanny sharing his favourite books Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One teammate I wish I got to know even better during my playing days was the great Stuart MacGill, this week's guest on Lessons Learnt with the Greats. Macca didn't care about economy rate or average, he cared about taking wickets, which he did at a strike rate few have ever matched. In Part 1, Macca talks about playing behind Shane Warne, playing under different captains, his bizarre strategy against fast bowlers (it worked on me!) and goes into great detail about the technical side of leg-spin bowling. This is a must-listen for all aspiring leggies. Episode rundown01:48 - We begin by talking about how Macca dealt with playing behind Shane Warne and making sure he was always the 'next guy'10:17 - When I was playing with and against Macca there was never a dull moment and here we discuss how he used to get under the skin of his opponents, including me!16:12 - I go over some of Macca's incredible statistics as he explains how leadership played an important role in his career38:43 - We dedicate the remainder of Part 1 to Macca's technical checklist and the craft of leg-spin bowling Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Butcher is not just a former England batsman, although in his day he was sublime player and single-handedly won the fourth Ashes Test in 2001 at Headingley. Butch is also a polished media pundit and brilliant musician and on this episode of Lessons Learnt with the Greats we take a deep dive into his cricket career and his new passions. I still remember watching him bat against Australia when I was 16 and it was a great thrill to chat to him about how he went about it and how he met one of his idols, which I am extremely jealous of! Butch was a great chat and I hope you get as much out of it as I did.Episode rundown01:40 - We start with Butch recalling his Ashes memories before moving onto his match-winning 173no at Headingley in 2001.17:15 - Butch talks about team success and an incredible series in 2004 when England beat the Windies and Brian Lara scored 400 not out!24:05 - We go into the technical side of Butch's game, starting with batting34:30 - Butch talks catching as a terrific fielder 37:40 - We touch on Butch's fitness regime during his playing days40:51 - Here we discuss mental skills and how Butch tried to keep the thoughts out56:19 - Butch talks about the media, from transitioning from a player to a pundit1:04:33 - We discuss finance and how Butch handled his earnings from cricket1:08:25 - Butch talks about his music career and how he's made the change1:16:25 - The mantra Butch lives by1:20:35 - The person who has inspired Butch the most. This is a cracking yarn!1:24:27 - Butch shares the best books he's read Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dwayne 'DJ' Bravo is the ultimate cricketer, a genuine allrounder who can star with the bat, ball and in the field and it's my great privilege to speak to him on this episode of Lessons Learnt with the Greats. DJ might make the game look easy but behind the scenes he is a true professional in his preparation and practice. During our fascinating chat, DJ talks all things cricket and goes in-depth about his aspirations as a music performer and producer, which serve as an inspiration for all people not just athletes. I hope you enjoy my chat with DJ, a real champion! Episode Rundown03:38 - I share my favourite highlights of DJ's career, one each from Test cricket and IPL10:05 - DJ shares his fondest on-field memories, including his maiden Test century11:56 - We move into the technical side of the game, starting with DJ's batting19:30 - DJ then talks about his bowling, focusing on his brilliant slower ball25:37 - As one of the fittest players in the world, DJ shares his training regime and the exercises he does NOT do36:07 - DJ was always excellent in the clutch moments and here he shares his mental skills45:23 - We then move on to the media and how DJ interacts with social media57:00 - DJ shares his experiences about finance and investment and the importance of having people to trust1:08:03 - Here DJ discusses his passion for music and how he has followed his dreams despite being told otherwise1:25:41 - We finish with DJ sharing the inspiring people he has met and how they have impacted his life Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Part 2 of my fascinating chat with former South Africa captain and Chennai Super Kings superstar Faf du Plessis goes off field. We talk about the mental side of the game - a topic Faf and I could chat about for hours - before discussing how he worked with, not against, South Africa's media and how a chat between mates led to a boutique business. Part 1 is available now too and if you haven't already listened to it, I thoroughly recommend. Episode Rundown00:41 - Part 2 starts with Faf talking about his mental toughness, a subject he and I are fascinated by and explore in great depth29:04 - Faf then talks about how he handled the media and how he consumes news - good and bad - while he is still playing45:12 - We talk business, finance and investment and why it is crucial to get the right advice1:00:00 - Faf discusses how his faith helps in trying moments1:04:40 - We finish this extraordinary chat by talking about books and I give Faf a few to add to his list Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ricky Ponting is one of cricket's greatest captains, batsmen and fielders and I am delighted and privileged to have him on Lessons Learnt with the Greats. Punter took me under his wing from the day that I met him as a nineteen year old playing with him for Tasmania. He went on to play a massive part in the success I had on the field, but I wish I had asked him the questions I put to him on this episode when we were playing together - it would have made the world of difference. Fortunately, you can hear the great man talk about his batting methods, mental techniques, fielding tips, leadership learnings and who inspired him to become Australia's best batsman since Bradman.Episode Rundown 03:00 - We start by talking about my favourite highlights of Ricky's career, including a career-defining hundred in the 4th Ashes Test of 200113:08 - Ricky then talks about his career highlight, not a personal innings but a team moment he considers his most cherished16:15 - Ricky talks batting techniques and what he did to stay focused37:04 - Ricky explains the tricks and tactics that he used to be one of the world's deadliest fielders48:09 - We talk about leadership and how Ricky would have done things differently in the 2005 Ashes53:33 - Ricky discusses his role in the media and if he would have changed his attitude to the media during his playing days58:58 - The financial side of life and Ricky's new business venture1:10:09 - Ricky talks about the work ethic his father instilled in him1:13:17 - Ricky talks about the most inspiring person he has met - his dad1:14:53 - We finish with how Ricky soaked up information as a small kid in Tasmania to become one of the world's best cricketers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's guest on Lessons Learnt from the Greats is a magnificent person who has gone from a fierce rival to close friend, Harbhajan Singh. 'Bhaji' as he's known, tormented batting lineups around the world but saved his best for the Aussies. His efforts in the 2001 Test series against Australia is truly unbelievable, kickstarting one of the most successful cricket careers of all time. While he might have rubbed a few people the wrong way, I can tell you Bhaji is one of the kindest, nicest people I have met and it's a privilege to have him on my show. Episode rundown04:14 - We start by talking about the epic 2001 Test series against Austraia and how that changed his life09:57 - Bhaji talks about his career highlights, including World Cup wins in 2007 and 201114:44 - Bhaji is a master off-spinner and here he talks about his technique and bowling process20:10 - We speak about the mental side of the game and how the mind is more powerful than skills35:16 - How Bhaji kept his body in check having bowled thousands of deliveries 39:05 - Bhaji explains how he would have treated the media differently if he had his time again44:42 - We speak about investment, getting the right advice and Bhaji's brilliant business which I absolutely love54:12 - The saying and mantras Bhaji lives by, including one from Virat Kohli58:24 - Bhaji finishes by talking about the most inspiring person he has met Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The shoe is on the other foot this week as I chat to Aussie legend Mike Hussey about the lessons I have learnt through my life and career. This is part two of my chat with Huss, and on this episode we cover mental skills, the media, finance, business and the mantras I live by. It was great to share my experiences with Huss and I hope it can help.Rundown00:15 - We start by chatting about the mental side of the game and the skills and techniques I have acquired during my career15:30 - The media play a huge role for current cricketers, so I talk about how I dealt with the media and offer some advice to aspiring players22:05 - The lessons I have learnt from a finance, investment and business have been tough and many, but I am so glad I can share what I went through39:48 - The two main mantras I live my life by, which have come from a school teacher and my mother47:15 - I've been lucky to meet so many inspiring people and here I name two have really made an impact on my life50:41 - I love to read, so to close out my chat with Huss I talk about a few of the books that I have found to be insightful Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.