Before we talk about temperament in a Cricketing manner, it would be good to get a scientific explanation of it first. As per figure 1 above, Keirsey defines four types of temperaments.
By definition: Temperament is a configuration of observable personality traits, such as habits of communication, patterns of action, and sets of characteristic attitudes, values, and talents. It also encompasses personal needs, the kinds of contributions that individuals make in the workplace, and the roles they play in society. Each temperament has its own unique qualities and shortcomings, strengths and challenges. Dr. David Keirsey has identified humankind’s four basic temperaments as the Artisan, the Guardian, the Idealist, and the Rational.
In Cricket, particular when batting, coaches including myself often refer to temperament. What we mean by this is how the batsman’s mind and body are in sync and how they carry themselves while they bat including batting under pressure.
Batsmen know that all it takes is one ball to get out so there is a natural demand for focus on each ball that they face. The focus is usually immense particularly when facing 80-90+ mph deliveries and that split second responsiveness usually carries a uniqueness from within, since the batsman is truly alone, where this temperament is relied upon like no other sport.
Sir Don Bradman, perhaps one of the greatest batsman of all time, talked about temperament. “There is probably a greater premium on temperament for a batsman than for any player in any branch of sport. The batsman is not allowed one error. Is it any wonder temperament plays such an enormous part in batting? I always liked the player who was extremely conscious of his responsibility and all that went with it, who was really very thrilled under the surface, but who kept his emotions under control, the sort of player who would find it difficult to sleep or eat before a Test. That type usually possesses a high degree of nervous energy, which comes into play at the critical hour. He may be anxious on the morning of the match, but once he sets foot on the arena, he is in full command of himself and his reflexes are quick. This man will play better in a Test than any other match. He is the man for the occasion.”
Clearly Sir Don Bradman believed there was a direct correlation between nervousness and reflexes so in other words, a conscious yet cautious mindset along with the physical skills and abilities needed to be energetic and quick in order to rise to the occasion.
We can also look at other batsmen such as Viv Richards, Ricky Pointing, Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendular and Brian Lara and I’m sure we could all agree they had that special something not just as great batsmen but perhaps the most successful batsmen of all time.
In modern Cricket we have Steve Smith, Virat Kohli and Babar Azam who are not only exciting to watch but I personally love to watch their temperament on the field. They all have individual personality traits and different types of temperaments but one thing that is common between them is that their mental and physical state is usually in sync when they are scoring runs. They seem to be consistent and rely on their mental and physical abilities to work hand-in-hand. However it takes a lot of support from others around them to help them practice and develop a consistent temperament which only they as individuals can control and bring the best out of their game.
It takes temperament: a controlled mind, an agile body, an unemotional state and a good balance between all three. This requires time, patience, mistakes and practice at the highest levels. I am sure a bit of luck also plays its part which we certainly can’t control but the rest is pure and simply hard work and efforts. Success is for those who work hard consistently and always want to push their mind and body as far as they can but they certainly can’t do it without the right coaching or support network which also makes a huge difference to them.