Science for Sport Podcast - Episodes Tagged with “Cricket”

262: Balancing Performance and Player Health

Science for Sport — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0100

This week on the Science for Sport podcast, host Richard Graves chats with Sophie Smith-Moore, the England Men’s Pathway Physiotherapist and Disability Cricket Medical Services Lead. In this episode, Sophie takes us on her journey from a fresh graduate to a key player in elite cricket, sharing her insights on the unique challenges faced by fast bowlers and the critical role of data analytics in injury prevention.
Discover how Sophie navigates the fine line between traditional methodologies and cutting-edge science, ensuring athletes perform at their peak while staying injury-free. Sophie also reflects on her recent tour with the England men's under-19s in South Africa, offering invaluable lessons on self-care for practitioners and the importance of understanding the diverse needs of athletes in both men's and disability cricket.

About Sophie Smith-Moore
Sophie Smith-Moore is an experienced physiotherapist currently serving as the England Men’s Pathway Physiotherapist and Disability Cricket Medical Services Lead. A graduate of Northumbria University in 2011, Sophie initially entered the field without a clear focus on sports but quickly gravitated towards it. Sophie has worked with Yorkshire Cricket, GB Boxing and Leeds Carnegie and has gained valuable experience supporting players at various levels, including county and international. Sophie is passionate about optimising athlete performance and well-being, where she advocates for a holistic approach to care. With her expertise and commitment, she plays a vital role in shaping the future of sports physiotherapy in cricket.

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260: 12 Months, 3 Formats, 1 Body: Cricket's Survival Guide

Science for Sport — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Ever wondered what it takes to keep professional cricketers performing at their peak across a grueling season? This week, we dive deep with Jack McCann, Head Strength & Conditioning Coach at Leicestershire CCC, who shares fascinating insights into the evolution of cricket performance science. From managing international stars like Rehan Ahmed to nurturing academy prospects, Jack reveals the delicate balance of preparing players for everything from T20 explosiveness to multi-day endurance.
But what makes this episode particularly intriguing is Jack's innovative "Fox's Recovery Framework" - a revolutionary approach that's transforming how players manage their recovery. And wait until you hear how modern technology is reshaping the future of cricket training in ways you never imagined...

Key topics include:

The science behind managing multi-format cricket demands
How player monitoring has evolved beyond traditional methods
The crucial relationship between S&C coaches and players
Inside look at pre-season preparation for county cricket
The future of wearable technology in cricket performance

About Jack McCann
A lifelong cricket enthusiast turned performance specialist, Jack McCann has established himself as a leading voice in cricket strength and conditioning. As the Head of S&C at Leicestershire County Cricket Club since 2020, he's helped transform the club's approach to physical preparation and player development. After starting his career in commercial gyms while pursuing his education, Jack found his true calling in cricket performance science. His innovative approach combines traditional training methodologies with cutting-edge technology and data analysis. At Leicestershire, he's been particularly influential in developing young talent while managing the complex demands of established professionals across multiple cricket formats. Jack's commitment to evidence-based practice and player-centered programming has contributed to the club's recent successes and their ability to compete consistently across all formats of the game.

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255: The Post-Workout Mistake Elite Athletes Never Make

Science for Sport — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 06:00:00 +0000

From Elite Athletes to Weekend Warriors: The Science of Sports Nutrition with Dan Richardson
Join host Richard Graves as he sits down with sports nutritionist Dan Richardson, who shares his expertise from working with Leeds United Academy and Leicestershire County Cricket. In this eye-opening episode, Dan breaks down the myths and misconceptions around sports nutrition, revealing why your post-workout nutrition might be more about fruits and vegetables than protein shakes.

Discover:

Why the 'food first' approach isn't always enough
The truth about creatine and common supplement misconceptions
How to properly fuel before, during, and after exercise
The science behind recovery nutrition and why timing matters
Practical nutrition strategies for both elite and recreational athletes

Whether you're training for your first marathon or looking to optimise your athletic performance, this episode delivers actionable insights on how nutrition can enhance your training, recovery, and overall athletic success. Dan's blend of academic knowledge and real-world experience working across multiple sports makes this a must-listen for anyone interested in the science of sports nutrition.

About Dan Richardson
Dan Richardson is a distinguished sports nutritionist currently serving as the Academy Nutrition Lead at Leeds United Football Club and nutrition consultant for Leicestershire County Cricket's men's first team. With an academic foundation in Sports Science from Durham University and a Master's degree in Sports Nutrition from Manchester, Dan has built an impressive career supporting athletes across multiple sports including football, rugby, netball, and hockey. He also works with developing athletes through the Talented Athlete Support Scheme, helping GB and national team competitors optimise their performance through evidence-based nutrition strategies. Dan's approach emphasises "food first, but not food only," combining practical experience with scientific research to deliver results for both elite athletes and recreational sports enthusiasts. His expertise spans from youth development to professional sports, making him a trusted voice in sports nutrition.

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247: Bold Choices: Coaching with Impact

Science for Sport — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +0000

In this must-listen episode of the Science for Sport podcast, host Richard Graves sits down with Ajmal Shahzad—World T20 champion, fast-bowling coach, and cricket trailblazer. Ajmal shares his journey from making history as Yorkshire's first Asian-born player to becoming a sought-after coach in the modern game.

Discover:

The advice legendary all-rounder Imran Khan gave him that changed his game.
How Ajmal brought cricket back to Pakistan with an historic MCC tour.
His philosophy on developing fast bowlers in today’s game.
The challenges and triumphs of transitioning from player to coach.

Ajmal’s honest reflections on authenticity, leadership, and learning from failure will leave you inspired. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or cricket fan, this episode is packed with insights to help you elevate your game.

** About Ajmal Shahzad**
Ajmal Shahzad is a former professional cricketer and World T20 champion who represented five counties and England at the international level. Breaking barriers as Yorkshire's first Asian-born player, Ajmal transitioned into coaching after a successful playing career. He is now the lead bowling coach at Derbyshire and has worked with elite teams like the Trent Rockets. Renowned for his innovative approach and leadership, Ajmal continues to inspire the next generation of cricketers while shaping the future of fast bowling.

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242: 15 Years, 650 Wickets, and One Iconic Headband – Jack Brooks Tells All

Science for Sport — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Episode 242:
In this week’s episode of the Science for Sport podcast, Richard Graves sits down with former professional cricketer Jack Brooks, whose 15-year career is a testament to resilience, hard work, and a love for the game. Jack shares his unconventional journey to becoming a professional at 24, breaking into the county circuit after starting in village cricket.

From the pressures of leading Yorkshire’s bowling attack during back-to-back County Championship wins to grappling with self-doubt despite his success, Jack provides a refreshingly honest look at life on and off the pitch. He reflects on the influence of legendary coaches like Jason Gillespie, the camaraderie of dressing rooms, and the reality of managing a cricket career while planning for life after sport.

Whether you're a budding cricketer, a sports enthusiast, or curious about the psychology behind elite performance, Jack’s story is one of grit, adaptability, and a pure passion for the game. Don’t miss his advice for young athletes and insights on transitioning into coaching at one of the country’s most storied clubs.

This is an episode packed with inspiration, laughs, and lessons from a man who made every moment on the field—and beyond—count.

About Jack
Jack Brooks is a former professional cricketer renowned for his bowling and dynamic presence on the field. Affectionately nicknamed "The Headband Warrior" for his distinctive headgear, Brooks began his cricketing journey in village cricket before advancing through Minor County Oxfordshire and Surrey's second XI. He secured a professional contract with Northamptonshire in 2008, marking his first-class debut against the touring Australians in 2009. Brooks later joined Yorkshire in 2012, playing a pivotal role in their consecutive County Championship victories in 2014 and 2015. In 2018, he signed with Somerset, contributing to their T20 Blast triumph in 2023. Over his 15-year career, Brooks amassed over 650 wickets across all formats and achieved a first-class century. Transitioning from player to mentor, he now focuses on coaching, aiming to impart his extensive experience to aspiring cricketers.

Instagram: @brooksyferret
Linkedin: Jack Brooks

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218: Secrets Behind Elite Cricketer's Physical Preperation

Science for Sport — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 09:00:00 +0100

In episode 218 Pete Sim, Physical Preparation coach for England Men’s Test Cricket team, joins us.

Specifically Pete will be looking at:

Physical demands
How to plan around 5 day events
What gym sessions look like
Recovery in cricket

About Pete:

"Current Physical Preparation coach for England Men’s Test Cricket team. Worked in cricket since 2017, prior to Test role I was at Yorkshire CCC and then on to Worcestershire CCC. Started my S&C career in Rugby Union at Newcastle Falcons in 2013."

Instagram: @petersim13

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Optimise Your Athletes' Recovery
Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In
Reduce Your Athletes' Injury Ratese
Save 100's Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More
Improve Your Athletes' Performance
Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes
Save Yourself The Stress & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research

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129: How To Throw (Or Bowl!) Faster

Science for Sport — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 02:00:00 +0100

In episode 129, Steffan Jones, Fast Bowling Coach, joins us.

Specifically Steffan will be looking at:

The importance of speed
How to train for throwing speed
How he programs for fast bowlers

About Steffan

"Steffan Jones is the last dual professional sportsman in the United Kingdom having played 3 years professional rugby and 20 years professional cricket.

Currently, he is Director of Sport Performance at a private school in England and a global fast bowling consultant. He is the fast bowling development coach for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL as well as consulting for individual fast bowlers, javelin throwers and pitchers around the world.

Steffan is in a unique position having played the sport, is a qualified sports scientist, a UKSCA qualified strength and conditioning coach and also as a level 3 qualified technical coach. His methods are innovative and heavily based on sports science. Steffan is also the only cricket coach to be qualified in teaching the Lila movement Exogen suit which he regards as the number 1 specific strength tool in the business. Steffan has developed a reputation as an ‘outside the box’ thinker in all overhead throwing sports and is the go-to man when an increase in bowling velocity is required.

His focus on specific strength including weighted ball bowling, the application of the Bondarchuk classification and the utilisation of Isometric training as part of his Skill-stability training' method has brought him plaudits from all around the world and continues to change and stabilise technique."