In this episode, we chat to Gus Sloan, a superstar in the Global T20 Tournament "Last Man Stands (LMS)" (youngest anointed 'Legend' in LMS history!), to dive deep into his incredible journey, from playing rugby league as a teenager to becoming one of the most prolific players in LMS and Virtual Reality iB Cricket history.

With a batting average of 66.89 and a strike rate of 192.68 in LMS, Gus shares his secrets to success, the mental and physical preparation behind his game, and his transition into sports management with Grandstand Sports Management.

🔹 Key Topics Covered:

• Gus’s early days in rugby league and how injury led him to cricket

• The rise to becoming a top-ranked LMS player globally

• Insights into batting and bowling strategies tailored for LMS

• The challenges and triumphs of representing Australia in LMS World Cups

• How virtual reality (IB Cricket) has transformed his training

• Launching his player agency and mentoring the next generation

Whether you're a cricket enthusiast, an aspiring player, or just love a great sports story, this episode is packed with actionable insights, hilarious anecdotes, and behind-the-scenes stories from the world of competitive cricket.

🔔 Subscribe to The Cerebral Cricketer for more in-depth conversations with cricketers, coaches, and sports personalities!

📌 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music & more!

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Like, comment, and share if you enjoyed the conversation! 🚀

Timestamps

00:00:00 Introduction & Gus Sloan’s LMS Achievements

00:04:54 Gus’s Batting & Bowling Stats (Avg 66.89, SR 192)

00:08:37 Rugby League Background & Transition to Cricket

00:12:45 Injury & How LMS Became His Focus

00:17:42 Starting a Player Agency (Grandstand Sports)

00:24:32 Batting Mindset: Reacting vs. Overthinking

00:32:12 Facing International Players in LMS

00:39:37 Bowling Tactics & Training (Plyometrics, Speed)

00:47:52 LMS Rule Quirks (Home Runs, Steals, Double Plays)

00:54:22 Representing Australia in LMS World Cups (Kenya, India)

01:04:42 How to Get Selected for LMS Nationals

01:12:02 Favorite Cricketers (Maxwell, Smith) & SCG Experience

01:20:12 Ivy Cricket VR Training & World Records

01:29:22 Memorable LMS Innings & Close Losses

01:37:37 Final Advice for Aspiring LMS Players

01:39:22 Outro

I reflect on my conversation with Dutch international cricketer Shariz Ahmad and break down the mindset gems and strategic insights he shared.

We dive into:

✅ How Shariz developed an optimistic mindset from a young age
✅ The story of scouts discovering him at age 11 and his positive outlook on the pressure
✅ Being fast-tracked into the Netherlands cricket system
✅ How he plans his bowling strategies before the game and while fielding
✅ The bowlers he models his game on, including Rashid Khan and Adam Zampa
✅ What young spinners can learn from his approach to mindset, preparation, and creativity

If you're a young cricketer, coach, or cricket lover who wants to understand the mental side of the game, this is for you.

👉 Listen to the full conversation with Shariz Ahmad here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EkS_y8FJZU

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes! 🧠🏏

In this episode, we sit down with Shariz Ahmad, the Netherlands' rising cricket sensation, as he shares his incredible journey from backyard cricket to the international stage.

Discover how he honed his leg-spin skills, overcame challenges, and made his mark in the T20 World Cup.

Plus, get exclusive insights into his training routines, mental preparation, and the secrets behind his all-rounder success.

🌟 Inside this episode:

✅ The mindset & tactics behind his leg spin 🧠🎯

✅ Learning from legends like Rashid Khan, Adam Zampa & Shadab Khan 🏏🔥

✅ His unforgettable T20 World Cup debut & the pressure of international cricket

✅ Bowling to Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma on the world’s biggest stage 🏆🔥

✅ How he took on Shakib Al Hasan & the world’s best batters ✅ His transition into an all-rounder & power-hitting role 💪💥

From playing backyard cricket with his brother Musa Ahmad to making an impact on the global stage, Shariz shares the secrets behind his rise, his fearless mindset, and what it takes to succeed at the highest level!

🚀 Whether you’re a cricketer, coach, or simply fascinated by the psychology of elite sport, this episode is packed with insights into what it takes to succeed.

💬 What’s your favorite moment from Shariz Ahmad’s journey? Let us know in the comments below!

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the NOTIFICATION BELL so you never miss an episode.

The Cerebral Cricketer Podcast is a deep dive into the psychological side of cricket. Through exclusive interviews with cricketers, coaches, and experts, we explore the journey, mindset, thought processes, and mental resilience behind success.

From how batsmen sharpen their focus to the mental cues bowlers use for consistent execution, this podcast unpacks the cerebral side of the game - one conversation at a time.

Decode the Mind, Master Your Temperament!

Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Player.fm, PocketCasts

Follow us on Social Media: Instagram: / thecerebralcricketer Twitter: @CerebralCricket