The recent Test series between England and India has given @DrDeepaDesai and I a chance to reflect on what leaders, individuals and organizations can learn from Test cricket.

Why Test cricket?  We think it is a useful metaphor for how leaders navigate and lead change.

Created by ChatGPT5 – not a real image

  • It requires long term thinking
  • The environment is constantly changing, different grounds, changing pitches, the ball, the crowds and of course the weather (it’s raining as I write!)
  • There are clear leaders (captains) who must make decisions on and off the pitch
  • Teams are comprised of specialists (batters and bowlers) as well as all rounders
  • There are many stakeholders involved, umpires, the management and support teams, substitute players, sponsors, media, the crowds
  • Despite the long-term nature of the game fast and timely decision making is needed (who bowls next, fielding positions, bowling style, batting style, appeals)
  • Technology and data that supports decision making
  • Competition, conflict and communication can easily be seen

Deepa and I watched the same matches from different perspectives as we supported different teams.  However, our experiences in the corporate and consulting world led to a good discussion on what leaders in organizations could learn by watching cricket. We came to some conclusions that we wanted to share.

Here are our top insights:

For new leaders:

  1. The spotlight is on you. You will face criticism.  Listen and decide whether to change keeping in mind the complete game.
  2. Recognise that your operational performance may drop until you grow into a new leadership role.
  3. Be persistent, keep your eye on the goal and be confident that you will bounce back.
  4. Understand the different expectations of a leader. It’s both achieving long term goals and executing tactics strongly, whilst bringing your stakeholders along with you.

Develop and deliver strategy:

  1. The environment is critical and is constantly changing. Have a plan and adapt to changes quickly. Continue to keep an eye on the big picture.
  2. Results are results, it’s not always the most skilful or experienced team that wins, but the one that can take advantage of the opportunities that changes bring.
  3. Outplay but respect your competition, remember competitors could be partners of the future.
  4. Momentum matters. When you’re driving towards your goal, use and create energy so a sense of belief is strengthened. Celebrate successes and milestones.

Role model and expect effective leadership behaviours:

  1. Make decisions in a timely way, involve the right people in making those decisions and clearly communicate. Don’t regret the decisions you make, be bold and learn from mistakes. Remember every decision is most accurate in that moment depending on the current information and situation.
  2. Find your authentic leadership style, recognise that there are common behaviours that will create a climate for success.
  3. Lead by example. Recognize behaviours in others and react accordingly.

Build your team:

  1. Create role clarity in your team. You need specialists and generalists for effective working.
  2. Recognize that everyone on your team has a critical part to play. The most junior and inexperienced people can significantly impact success.
  3. Depend on individuals’ skills and experience. Expect them to give you confidence and support.
  4. Identify your successors as you work together. Continue to balance skills and experience
  5. Engage your broader team, your support team, your managers, different people around you to create a climate for success.

For team players who have (new) leaders:

  1. Be a strong follower. Support your leader especially when they need your experience. Share what you could do and ask what is needed.
  2. Drive for clarity. Understand and challenge limits so you can create less friction and more innovation.
  3. Commit to goals and bring all your skills and problem solving to the situation

Use technology and data:

  1. Technology is a tool. It makes our lives easier.  Remember its not foolproof and represents a limited dataset
  2. Know how to use data and bring it forward to support decision making.

So many lessons to learn from the strategic sport of Test cricket.  No wonder Deepa and I are such fans.  We are happy to discuss the specific examples that brought us to these insights!