Was the Fate of the Ashes Series already Determined?

Well, another Ashes Series has come and gone with the urn remaining in the hands of the old enemy. There may be some thoughts of what might have been if mother nature hadn’t intervened; however,  if you review the performance of Michael Clarke, the fate of the Australian Cricket team had already been decided before the rain fell.

An antagonistic statement perhaps, especially given the captain scored 187 in the first innings of the Third Test and is currently averaging almost 64 runs so far in the Series. It could be considered ridiculous or even out-right wrong.  However, I wasn’t referring to his performance on the field but his performance and more specifically his state of mind off the field.

As all high performers will tell you, most of the battle to win anything starts with them in their own mind.  “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you are right,” as said by Henry Ford, is never more relevant than in professional sports.  And I’m sure any player who has been on the field in a down-to-the-wire finish will tell you that mental agility is what wins the grand final, gold medal or the series - not necessarily athletic skill.  “Psyching out the opposition” has been part of the game since Roman times, which is why it should come as no surprise that top-of-their game athletes will have a performance coach who works with their mind just as much as their athletic skills and ability.  

An athlete who is a master at this is Michael Phelps, American swimming superstar and record-holder for the most Olympic gold medals - both at a single Olympics and over the course of a career. And though some may have called him arrogant (and worse!) there was never any doubt in his mind that he was the best and that he was going to win. He was certain, confident and clear. And he won.

Can the same be said for the Australian Cricket Captain?  I’d say not if you’ve ever heard him interviewed.  No one would argue that he isn’t a good player and good guy; however, if after hearing him speak about the likelihood of the Aussies success in the lead-up to the Ashes, there’s not a chance that I’d put my money on him!

As I always explain to my clients, the formula to any outcome is ‘state of mind, plus strategy’ and if you don’t tend to both when preparing for a winning result, be it on the playing field, in the boardroom or in your personal life, you are shooting yourself in the foot before trying to run a marathon.  It is simply how the brain works - certainty to achieve anything always has to come first.

So, it begs the question – has the tall poppy syndrome been at play amongst the Australian Cricket team? Are they now so afraid of appearing arrogant after years of success and all the associated criticism that came with their constant domination - both on the field and in the heads of many of their opponents - that the pendulum has swung too far in the other direction?

What would the reaction from the Australian fans and public be if Michael Clarke had the certainty of Michael Phelps whilst speaking to the press?  Would he have been encouraged or ridiculed? Even if it did lead to ridicule, isn’t it worth the potential reward?  I know what my approach would be.

About the Author:

Rebecca Cleaves is an expert coach who helps smart, talented game-changers to monetise their business, have an authentic voice, and expand their influence.

www.rebeccacleaves.com