Good sporting performance is a lot like acting in a British Panto.

Eldrick Woods becomes Tiger once he has a club in his hand.

Michael Jordan becomes Air Jordan with the ball in his possession.

Andrew Flintoff becomes Freddie once he steps over the rope.

These are all characters built out of reputation. They allow great performances.

Similarly, when we go to see Cinderella we know that the step sisters will be horrible, we know Buttons will be lovable and we know Prince Charming is... well... charming.

The idea is to allow each character to do what they do best.

If your opening batsman has always been a slow scorer, then they feel comfortable in doing so; and as a result they are most likely to only be called for when their slower run rate is acceptable or required.

Same goes with a pinch hitter; if they have always been a big hitter with an average around mid-teens but boast a few big scores every season, the likeliness is that they will feel comfortable of going out there and hitting the ball as far as possible in whatever situation.

As a player you will take comfort in knowing that you will only ever be expected to fill your role.

So live up to your character, it defines who you are as a player and your capabilities.

Whether you’re the finisher, the aggressive bowler, the wily spinner, or anything else: the stronger your character, the stronger your role.

As a player, being able to review this character will help you understand what you are good at and what you need to improve.

The quicker you establish your character the quicker your performances will improve.

Which means you won’t end up looking like the dame with a custard pie in her face.