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In the recent Stick to Cricket podcast, Michael Vaughan, Phil Tufnell and Mike Hussey debated how this current Ashes series could play out, and in particular the first Test in Perth – seen as a signpost.
Well, that initial Test – as you all probably know by now – was off the beaten track and landed firmly in Australia’s favor.
Here, Peter Kettle looks forward to the second Test in Brisbane – and its imagined conclusion and end-of-match ceremonies.
Former England Test player and current TV commentator Isa Guha interviews Chris Marshall – the England men’s Test team sports psychologist, appointed in June 2024.
IG: After holding on here in Brisbane for a draw – aided by thunderstorms which delayed play for quite a while on days four and five – England made a brave comeback after the Perth clash. Chris, what was your role in all of this?
CM: Well, before leaving for this trip to the antipodes, Isa, the boys benefited greatly from the psychoanalysis sessions which I persuaded Mike Brearley to carry out on the sofa of his London home NW3. They must take a good look at themselves…inwardly. Nothing was spared. Quite trying, in fact, for a number of them. This was for most of September and all of October.
IG: Good to hear England have spared no expense in preparing for this Ashes series, Chris.
CM: My word, yes! Golf is certainly good preparation, as are late nights on the town to relax. But, for my money, there’s nothing better than the psychoanalyst’s 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: Of course, Isa…the most important thing I do for them is read a story while they settle down to sleep. This is usually after a five or six course dinner and lots of delicious local white and red wines, followed by disco dancing at an upscale nightclub. The story takes place around 3 or 4 a.m.
IG: I see… what kind of stories, Chris?
CM: Mostly bits of Alice in Wonderland…a wonderful escape. Nothing very real. The boys have had enough during the day.
IG: So they did pretty well, I guess, Chris, thanks to your bedside attention.
CM: Pretty good here in Brisbane, Isa. Although in Perth, a number of boys have had nasty nightmares – feeling up against Warnie at the MCG and not having a clue what is coming out of his hand. Or pinned to the crease while Malcolm Marshall sends some breathtaking stuff, short, to the West Indies. But they are way past that now.
IG: That’s good to hear!
CM: I’ve also had the boys watch some videos…it’s at breakfast time…videos of net sessions where they’re hitting really well. During these training sessions, their own mothers watch, sitting on benches to one side, and when their son comes out after doing his work, they hug him warmly, reassuring him of his talent on the international stage.
IG: Wow… that’s an innovation in applied sports psychology, I guess, Chris.
CM: Absolutely! In fact, I went so far as to have Boycs play a role. He sits on a deck chair while the boys go into the nets to do their batting, eating an ice cream and smiles broadly at each of them, doing so in an avuncular manner.
IG: Instilling even more confidence.
CM: Exactly!
IG: Brilliant, Chris… Can I wish you all the best for Adelaide and the very big event: the traditional Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
CM: We’re going to kick ass at the MCG, don’t worry about that, Isa.
IG: And now over to you, Adam Gilchrist, for the post-match introductions…..
