The eptimony of mental toughness - Steve Waugh

This is a tough but interesting question - the truth is that success is generally achieved by getting all three of these facets right.

Professional sport today features players, administrators, coaches, computers, video feedback, fitness advisers, nutritionists and sports psychologists.

The current-day professionalism in cricket has led to an increasing incentive for players to use every available resource to ensure that they maximise their potential and make the most of the opportunities now available.

Strangely though, sport psychology, 'the inner game', whatever you like to call it, seems to be the least studied of all cricket skills, even if it is widely accepted as being the most important ingredient of success.

There is no doubt that sports psychologists can be valuable, but in my opinion, the best psychologists come from within the team, from the players - team-mates and ex-players alike.

Allan Border an example to following

Much can be learnt from talking with the Waugh brothers, Mark Taylor and Ian Healy, Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath, Geoff Marsh and Allan Border.

Invaluable lessons can be gained from these 'real life' psychologists who have experienced the heat of the cricket battle and have performed exceptionally under pressure over an extended period of time.

These are sportsmen who have refined and mastered their minds and techniques to a point where their chances of consistent performance are maximised.

At present, the cricketer who best epitomises mental toughness is Steve Waugh.

Since 1993, he has made a mountain of runs in Test cricket and his average is comparable with the greatest players who have even graced the cricket fields around the world.

Waugh enjoyed a 1995 showdown with Ambrose

His batting in the third Ashes Test in 1993, at Trent Bridge, when he helped save the game, seemed to be the turning point in what, up until that time, had been a sometimes spectacular but too often inconsistent career.

Two years later, when Stephen stood up to the awesome Curtly Ambrose on a green pitch at Trinidad, where the ball was seaming and bouncing like a spitting cobra, he send shivers down the spines of his team-mates who sat in the dressing-room searching for inspiration.

His double century in Jamaica on the same tour, where he partnered his younger brother in a stand that took Australia to the brink of a series victory couldn't have been made by anyone but an extremely strong-spirited and determined person.

On this Ashes tour, Stephen's centuries in each innings of the third Test, at Old Trafford, scored with a bruised right thumb and an Ashes series to rescue, were feats of exceptional skill, determination and concentration.

A cricket psychologist - David Boon

What is the key to his consistency and his outstanding record over the past four years?

How has Steve Waugh transformed himself from a very talented cricketer to a player who will go down in our rich sporting history as a great Australian sportsman?

The 'text book' sport psychologists would put it down to key words such as 'Concentration', 'Goal Setting', 'Discipline', 'Dedication' and 'Belief'.

Sitting on the famous Lord's balcony during this tour, I talked to the world's number one batsman about his personal pursuit of excellence, about mental toughness and generally what makes him tick.

His thoughts make for very interesting learning for anyone looking to emulate his incredible deeds.

I have noticed that 'Tugga' tends to hit a large number of balls at practice leading up to a Test match. So I asked him how important his preparation is for a game.

"Preparation and training are very important aspects of my game," he replied.

Taylor praises Waugh's single-mindedness

"My practice sessions are very specific, designed to ensure that I feel as though I have done everything possible to be ready for the battle ahead.

"In simple terms, it is about feeling good about my game so that the odds of performing well weigh heavily in my favour.

"I give some thought to how the opposition are likely to attack me, then I relax totally and trust my instincts and preparation during the match."

Next I quizzed him about his concentration and consistency.

In a nutshell, the Steve Waugh philosophy and key to peak performance seems to be about single-minded, focused concentration.

About having the ability to concentrate solely on the next ball and giving it your full attention with a totally clear mind.

It is almost a 'meditative' state. Clear focus on the ball, without any thoughts hindering that pinpoint concentration on the only thing that matters�.. the very next ball.

"'Talk to AB (Allan Border), Boonie (David Boon), they will tell you the same thing," Stephen says.

My only real goal is to give my full attention to the next ball bowled at me

Steve Waugh