Kristen Beams was one of the first female cricketers to take the plunge and move states to pursue her dream of playing at the highest level. She would go on to represent Australia with distinction as a leg spinner across all three formats of the game. 

We will hear how Kristen found a home at the Essendon Maribyrnong Park Ladies Cricket Club experiencing some of her fondest cricket memories including breaking a premiership winning drought at the club.

Kristen reflects on her time playing for Victoria, winning three consecutive T20 titles taking 6-20 including a hat trick as well as breaking into the Australian team.

She shares the significance behind her choice of the number 14 shirt for Australia, her memories of playing a Test Match as well as giving us insights into the 2017 World Cup.

We ask Kristen about captaining the Melbourne Stars, commentating on ABC Grandstand and the Australian team winning the 2020 World Cup in front of over 86000 fans at the MCG.

Needless to say we will also find out which three people Kristen would most like to join her in the nets. Without giving too much away, we can reveal a Tasmanian icon rates a mention.

Please remember to subscribe to the Cricket Library Podcast on your favourite podcast provider and leave a review to help us to continue to share stories like this one from Kristen Beams. 

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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.

1. Babette de Leede – World Cup & Global Cricket Journey 40:43
2. Paul Harris – The Journey of a Proteas Spinner 43:12
3. Paul Van Meekeren – Associate Cricket To World Stage 50:16
4. Ken Piesse – A Life In Cricket Writing 47:06
5. Nikhil Kulkarni | Every Day of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy | A Fan’s Journey 40:14