It’s been absolutely fascinating (certainly as a psychologist) watching the new era unfold in English cricket.
Mostly the same players that featured in ‘1 Test win in 17 attempts’…then dismantle the Number 1 cricket nation in the world.
And it’s all down to a culture of freedom.
Freedom to play your natural game (after tens of thousands of hours of practice and skill building).
Freedom to express yourself.
Freedom to put the pressure back on the opposition.
Freedom, in the changing room, to look each other in the eye and be at peace with any performance, no matter the outcome.
That philosophy creates an amazing environment where players have the opportunity to exceed their own beliefs about their potential. To go to a place they haven’t been before. A place they didn’t even know existed.
The one aspect I find really fascinating is that Ben Stokes has looked around the leagues, at players he’s played with and against…and has personally called them into the squad.
Potts and Overton…wow. Straight in to international cricket…and ducks to water, performing at the elite level.
And then he sticks with the likes of Pope, Leach, Bairstow etc.
All guys who were at the end of fans’ frustrations at times.
My overall point being…isn’t there an opportunity for the England rugby/ England football captain to have a primary role in team selection?
Stokes was the right choice at captain.
And his personal selections (from how he sees the game) have revitalised this England cricket team.
Great to watch.
Let’s hand more responsibility to the key players, that are amongst it, week in, week out.