(y)Watson and Clarke suffer from the misconception that they're soft and mentally weak because they have blonde hair and hot girlfriends.
Couldn't be further from the truth. In particular with Clarke.
That means anyone who bowls for Pakistan is mentally strong then as he's still alive.Kaneria weak? Would have thought it would have taken great mental strength to not have put something sharp and metallic through Kamran Akmal's head, all the catches he's dropped off his bowling
Agree with Clarke, but think Watson's a bit flabby mentally at times. The whole "afraid of ghosts" thing in 2005 and consistently failing to convert 50s into 100s suggests a lingering fragility.Watson and Clarke suffer from the misconception that they're soft and mentally weak because they have blonde hair and hot girlfriends.
Couldn't be further from the truth. In particular with Clarke.
Pretty much describes my plops career itbt.Brendon McCullum - a wonderful mix of nails and mental weakness. Played pretty much all his best Test knocks when under pressure, but when the going is easyish you can put money on that he'll find a way to **** it up.
That was pretty funny tbfAgree with Clarke, but think Watson's a bit flabby mentally at times. The whole "afraid of ghosts" thing in 2005 and consistently failing to convert 50s into 100s suggests a lingering fragility.
I'd say Allan Border must be close to the toughest cricketer mentally. Totally driven and demanded the same of his men. I always think the contrast to draw is with his contemporary cack-hander, Gower. The Englishman looked by far the more lavishly gifted player, yet Border averaged 50+ and Gower about 44.
Gus Fraser told a story where, as a tyro quick before his back injury reduced his pace, he induced Border to play and miss a couple of times when the great man played for Essex. Emboldened, Fraser asked Border if he'd like some help locating his off stump. Border didn't answer, instead responding by smacking the next two deliveries back over Fraser's head for sixes & then replied "I've been called a **** by faster and better men than you, son."
I think your point re: Watson failing to convert 50's to 100's is a good point. I think that's almost exclusively down to a lack of concentration, definitely a symptom of mental fragility.Agree with Clarke, but think Watson's a bit flabby mentally at times. The whole "afraid of ghosts" thing in 2005 and consistently failing to convert 50s into 100s suggests a lingering fragility.
I'd say Allan Border must be close to the toughest cricketer mentally. Totally driven and demanded the same of his men. I always think the contrast to draw is with his contemporary cack-hander, Gower. The Englishman looked by far the more lavishly gifted player, yet Border averaged 50+ and Gower about 44.
Gus Fraser told a story where, as a tyro quick before his back injury reduced his pace, he induced Border to play and miss a couple of times when the great man played for Essex. Emboldened, Fraser asked Border if he'd like some help locating his off stump. Border didn't answer, instead responding by smacking the next two deliveries back over Fraser's head for sixes & then replied "I've been called a **** by faster and better men than you, son."
Meanwhile I have all the calm assurance of Dwayne Bravo.Pretty much describes my plops career itbt.
I think neither are examples of mental toughness, rather examples of differing levels of team orientation.Serious question, who would people consider mentally stronger: a bloke who's prepared to give his wicket away slogging a few quick runs or the one who's set on not giving it away at any cost in any situation?
Depends on the situation that the player chooses to do that I guess. If batting out 50 overs for a draw is required and if an aggressive player can't value his wicket then that says a lot about his mental toughness.Serious question, who would people consider mentally stronger: a bloke who's prepared to give his wicket away slogging a few quick runs or the one who's set on not giving it away at any cost in any situation?
That's conscious choice Brumby. Wilting to pressure or succeeding in tough circumstances isn't a "conscious choice", its a result of an attribute of mental toughness or weak mentality.Serious question, who would people consider mentally stronger: a bloke who's prepared to give his wicket away slogging a few quick runs or the one who's set on not giving it away at any cost in any situation?