Ep 24 - How Victoria's Blake Macdonald "Lets Go of the Outcome" | Process, Pressure & Premeditating

Victoria and Melbourne Stars batter Blake Macdonald joins The Cerebral Cricketer Podcast for a deep dive into the mental side of cricket, the kind of mindset that actually holds up when the crowd is loud and the stakes feel heavy.

Blake breaks down his core idea, "let go of the outcome", why chasing runs can tighten you up, and how focusing on simple cues helps him play freer, clearer cricket.

We also get into premeditated batting, especially his sweep options, how he reads spin, and why planning your scoring can be a weapon, not a weakness.

In this episode, we cover:

- The "let go of the outcome" mindset, and how it reduces pressure and unlocks performance

- Studying psychology while chasing pro cricket, what it's taught him about focus and confidence

- Premeditated batting, sweep decisions, risk management, and committing to a plan

- Handling role changes across formats, and staying adaptable without losing your identity

- Big moments, big crowds, and the routines that keep him grounded If you enjoyed this one, like, subscribe, and comment!

Timestamps

00:00:04 Intro + welcome

00:00:31 Stars derby, big crowds, adrenaline, pressure

00:04:31 Learning from senior pros (Stars change room)

00:07:03 Scoring options, sweep and reverse sweep, playing with intent

00:12:08 Middle order role, adapting across formats, decision making

00:17:10 BBL debut call up and prep, 37* off 12 vs Brisbane Heat

00:21:27 Training week planning, match ups, analysts, game plans

00:26:09 Dad as a coach, technical foundations, bottom hand, hockey influence

00:31:38 Modern technique debate, playing across the line, working through form dips

00:40:03 Hockey family background, where the reverse sweep came from

00:44:19 Studying psychology while chasing pro cricket, balancing work and sport

00:47:33 "Let go of the outcome", selection pressure and playing free

00:50:03 Moving to Melbourne, switching to Victoria, backing himself

01:00:55 Global Super League, West Indies conditions, adapting your scoring

01:05:07 Premeditated batting, sweep plans, reading spin

01:12:23 Staying present at the crease, scoring for process not outcomes

01:29:13 Notebook habits, reviewing innings, building confidence

01:36:33 Role models, toughest bowlers, best teammates

01:41:21 Final thoughts + wrap up