England Cricket Staff Welcomes All Blacks’ Mental Skills Coach

Brendon McCullum has appointed Gilbert Enoka, renowned for his role as the mental skills coach for the All Blacks, to enhance the mental resilience of the England cricket team. This hiring comes at a crucial time as England prepares to face India in a tense test series, followed by a five-match series against Australia. Enoka’s appointment reflects McCullum’s commitment to instilling a competitive edge within the team.

Enoka has an extensive background in sports psychology, having spent nearly two decades with New Zealand rugby. He is particularly noted for developing the “no dickheads” policy that contributed significantly to the All Blacks’ success, culminating in their World Cup victories in 2011 and 2015. Beyond rugby, he has also provided consultancy services to teams in other sports, including Chelsea FC.

Having previously collaborated with McCullum during their time with the Black Caps, Enoka began working with the England team earlier this summer. His involvement started with a training camp in London prior to the test match against Zimbabwe in May 2023. Enoka’s presence was felt immediately, as he addressed the players before a training session at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

His role is pivotal as England navigates what many consider a legacy-defining period. The team is currently in a challenging series against India and will soon face Australia, two formidable opponents that will test their skills both on and off the field. Enoka’s focus on mental toughness aims to prepare the players for the pressures of international cricket, enhancing their performance in high-stakes situations.

Enoka will remain with the team through the end of the week, providing ongoing support and strategies to help players manage stress and maintain focus. This initiative underscores the growing recognition of mental skills training as essential to sporting success, particularly in cricket, where psychological resilience is critical.

As the series progresses, both McCullum and Enoka are optimistic that the integration of mental skills training will yield positive results for the England team, potentially transforming their approach to the game. The collaboration signals a new era for England cricket, one that prioritizes not just physical prowess, but also the psychological fortitude necessary to thrive in competitive sports.