It sounds like one of those crazy fad diets, but body type training is grounded in science and growing in popularity.

Until we have genetic profiling, it's the best we can manage for personalised eating and training for cricket. You see you will react to different foods and training methods in different ways depending on your body type.

Whether you are a Simpsons fan or not, Homer is one fine philosopher.

Beer, he once said, is the solution to, and the cause of all life's problems. Which is a great way of summing up the relationship between cricketers and alcohol (in the West at least).

Most cricket clubs have a tradition of drinking after games. On tour the drinking can be before, during and after!

It's the grease that oils the social wheels.

When I was a boy I would do anything to get out of eating those dreaded vegetables on the plate at dinner time.

They were green and often overcooked. The very thought of putting slimy spinach near my mouth was enough to turn my stomach. I'd try every trick in the book from hiding the peas under the leftover mashed potato to pleading stomach cramps.

Cricket is very time consuming, so who has time to be the next Jamie Oliver?

I know I don't, but I also want to be able to eat in a healthy way while getting in and out of the kitchen as fast as possible. That's why I place high importance on having the right tools at hand to help me out.

Here is what I consider essential.

You are trying to get more omega 3 in your diet right?
Boffins in white coats have been looking at the benefits of this fat for years and the evidence is clear: Everyone can benefit from omega 3, especially those who play sport at any level.

After several hundred posts I thought it was time you got an introduction. Or, more specifically; Some of the ideas and people behind the practical tips on this site that make you a better player. If you understand these pillars, you understand the system I use and that's essential to your success.

If you like all the free advice I have given you on this site, why not buy me a beer?

Running this site is my passion. I love helping you and every other reader of harrowdrive improve their cricket and not charge for it.

I need to cover the cost of running the site without forcing intrusive ads on you that annoy both of us. So instead of putting a load of adverts on the site or charging you to read it I'm going to ask you to donate a couple of quid.

photo credit: gingerninjah

People have started to notice. Time is catching up on you.

As you get older the 'promising youngster' tag has slowly vanished and your waistline is making the creep towards middle aged spread. In the past a rut of form was written off, but now you find selectors dropping you down a standard. They tell you they are giving the younger ones a chance but you suspect they think your eyes are going.

photo credit: karimian

What's the secret to eating for maximum stamina on the cricket pitch?

It all boils down to balance.

If you eat a diet that balances out fat, protein and carbohydrate from whole, natural sources you are eating consistently. There is nothing the body likes more than a consistent stream of energy that it can use while you are batting, bowling or fielding.