Bryant battle in mind

CONQUERING the mental battle now looms as the final piece of the puzzle for Max Bryant as he continues his quest for Sheffield Shield honours with Queensland.

That’s the opinion of Test great Mike Hussey, who believes the Gold Coast batting tyro must learn to overcome the challenges inside his own head to become a first-class force.

Still just 20 years of age, Bryant has proven his whiteball credentials for Queensland and the Brisbane Heat over the past two years, making a name for himself as a swashbuckling opener.

In 18 List A appearances, he averages 31.05 at the impressive strike rate of 126.47, while he averages 27.91 at a strike rate of more than 150 across 14 T20 outings for the Heat.

However, that talent is yet to be rewarded with a debut in the longest form.

The Cudgen product has been inconsistent in Queensland Premier Cricket this season, notching 198 runs at 28.29 for Gold Coast despite scores of 111 and 71.

He will have another chance to remind Bulls selectors of his red-ball prowess when the Dolphins travel to Redlands today and Hussey said making the transition from white-ball specialist required a number of important adjustments.

“I think there’s slight technical changes (for him to make) but big mental changes, being able to concentrate for long periods of time and defend. It’s obviously the opposite in T20 cricket,” Hussey, a 79-Test veteran and Big Bash

League winner, said.

“It’s not easy, I found it difficult going both ways. I think (the mental side) is one of the biggest challenges for the modern-day player.

“I think for Max Bryant and any player, it’s about doing the basics really well with your training – just simple, basic things – and being able to take them into a game.

“(Technically), you’re trying to get your front leg out of the way in T20 cricket so you can swing your hands through the ball. In first-class cricket you’re trying to get more in line with the ball so there’s a bit of an adjustment there.”

After lining up for Gold Coast today, Bryant and fellow Dolphins Matt Kuhnemann and Xavier Bartlett will prepare for Queensland’s battle with Western Australia in the Marsh One-Day Cup final at Allan Border Field on Tuesday.

Sitting fifth with two wins and two losses, the Dolphins are coming off a six-wicket victory over Norths last weekend.