Steve Smith is a common name but there is only one SPD Smith. Happy birthday young man!
Haiku Poem by Matt Fiction
Steve Smith birthday boy
Which Steve Smith will celebrate?
It is SPD
Babette de Leede – World Cup & Global Cricket Journey – The Cricket Library
What does it take to go from the Netherlands to the world stage of cricket?
In this episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, Babette de Leede shares her incredible journey through international cricket—from her early days in the Netherlands to competing on the global stage at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup.
Babette opens up on what it’s really like being an Associate cricketer, the challenges behind the scenes, and the mindset required to perform at the highest level.
We also dive into her experience playing for Western Province cricket team in South Africa—how it changed her game, the intensity of that environment, and the lessons she brought back to international cricket.
This is more than just a cricket story—it’s about growth, resilience, and chasing the game across continents.
In this episode:
The reality of Associate cricket
Life as a wicketkeeper-batter
World Cup aspirations
Playing domestic cricket in South Africa
The future of Netherlands women’s cricket
Whether you’re a player, coach, or cricket fan, there’s something here for you.
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories from the Cricket Library Podcast.
- Babette de Leede – World Cup & Global Cricket Journey
- Paul Harris – The Journey of a Proteas Spinner
- Paul Van Meekeren – Associate Cricket To World Stage
- Ken Piesse – A Life In Cricket Writing
- Nikhil Kulkarni | Every Day of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy | A Fan’s Journey
- Gavin Dovey – From the Australian Team to Leading NT Cricket
- Tammy Bartaia – Bollywood Dreams
- Anupam Sharma – When Bollywood Meets the Baggy Green
- Elsa Hunter – WBBL Vibes
- Dr John Orchard – New Chapters in Cricket & Medicine