In a recent Stick to Cricket podcast, Michael Vaughan, Phil Tufnell and Mike Hussey discussed how this current Ashes series, and in particular the first Test in Perth – seen as a signpost – could play out.
Well, this initial test – as you all probably know by now – was out of the box and landed firmly in Australia’s way.
Here, Peter Kettle looks ahead to the second Test in Brisbane – and its supposed conclusion and end of match ceremonies.
Isa Guha, former England Test player and current TV commentator, interviews Chris Marshall – England Men’s Test Team Sports Psychologist appointed in June 2024.
IG: After holding out for a draw here in Brisbane – aided by thunderstorms that delayed play for a good while on days four and five – it was a gutsy comeback from England after the shock of Perth. Chris, what was your own role in all of this?
CM: Well, before we went on this trip down, Isa, the guys benefited greatly from the psychoanalysis I convinced Mike Brearley to demonstrate on the couch at his NW3 London headquarters. He needs to take a good look at himself… internally. Nothing was spared. Quite exhausting for many of them. That was for most of September and all of October.
IG: Good to hear that England have spared no expense in the build-up to this Ashes series, Chris.
CM: My word, yes! Golf is definitely good preparation, as are late nights on the town to help you unwind. But for my money, you can’t beat a psychoanalytic couch.
IG: And in Australia, Chris, can you tell our viewers what you did to get the English boys in the right frame of mind?
CM: Sure, Isa…the most important thing I do for them is read them a bedtime story. This is usually after a five- or six-course dinner and lots of delicious local white and red wine, followed by a disco at a top night club. The narration takes place around 3 or 4 in the morning.
IG: I see…what stories Chris?
CM: Mostly snippets from Alice in Wonderland…amazing escapism. Nothing too real. Guys have enough during the day.
IG: So they’re leaking pretty well I guess Chris with your bedside manner.
CM: Here in Brisbane, Isa, pretty good. Back in Perth though, a number of the lads were having nasty nightmares – they felt they were facing Warnie at the MCG and had no idea what was coming out of his hand. Or pinned to the crease as Malcolm Marshall sends crushing, short stuff to the West Indies. But they’re pretty much over it.
IG: Glad to hear that!
CM: I also got the guys to watch some videos…this is at breakfast time…videos of games on the net where they are hitting really well. At these practices, their own mothers, sitting on benches to the side, look on, and when their son comes out, when he’s done his thing, they give him a warm hug – reassuring him of how good he is on the international stage.
IG: Wow… that’s an innovation in applied sports psychology, I think, Chris.
CM: Very! In fact, I went so far as to get Boycs to play the part. He sits on a lounger as the boys enter the nets to bat, eating ice cream and smiling broadly at each of them, tellingly.
IG: It inspires even more confidence.
CM: Exactly!
IG: Brilliant Chris… all the best for Adelaide and the really big one – the traditional Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
CM: We’ll be kicking ass at the MCG, don’t worry about it Isa.
IG: And now to you, Adam Gilchrist, for the post-match presentations….
