Here's a problem: Batting is unfair, batting practice is too fair.

What do I mean?

The biggest frustration of batting is getting out. One mistake and it's over, even if it's the first ball you have faced of the season. Yet when we go to a net practice we all do 10-20 minutes no matter what happens and walk away satisfied that we got a good hit.

The problem, then, is when you practice you feel no pressure and when you bat in a game you feel all the pressure. There is a huge disconnect and your practice time is wasted. It leads to losing focus, playing poor shots and fewer runs.

The solution is simple: make practice unfair.

International players and coached these days are always going on about how they “performed as a unit” – fielded, batted, bowled.

Lurking in the depths of this moribund press talk is a grain of truth we can use at any level.

Are you driven enough to be consistent batsmen?

Bowling a few yorkers at the end of nets is no way to prepare for the stress of death bowling.

There’s only one captain in a team, but everyone can be a leader.

The more you think, the worse your cricket mental game becomes.

Imagine what your perfect cricketing day would be like.

It’s hard being an all-rounder.

The worst has happened and your form has left you.

What you say to yourself when you bat is vital to your run scoring.