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.
Special guest Jenny Thompson joins us on the latest edition of the Cricket Library Podcast to share about "Her World Cricket Tour" a project which has taken her to all parts of the globe and is inspiring others to pick up a bat and ball to see how much fun you can have playing the summer game. Jenny's story exemplifies how a love of cricket has taken her on a memorable journey with so many stories for her to share which are documented in her new book.
About Jenny Thompson Jenny Thompson is a former journalist with ESPN Cricinfo who's based in Adelaide but loves travelling the globe playing, writing, talking, scoring, coaching and mentoring cricket. She lives by the beach with her partner Matt and Bam Bam the cat.
https://www.mup.com.au/authors/jenny-thompson
GCCN3F Ronan Keating in concert at the Royal Albert Hall, London. PA / Alamy Stock Photo
As the bowler moves in from the top of his mark, I focus on the 156g red projectile in his right hand. Fingers evenly spaced on either side of the seam as he prepares to send down another thunderbolt.
Keeping my mind clear is the Ronan Keating song I have jammed in my head
“The smile on your face let’s me know that you need me”
It is all so calm and peaceful as the bowler drops it short
“There’s a truth in your eyes saying you’ll never leave me”
I instinctively transfer my weight onto the back foot and cut the ball
“The touch of your hand says you’ll catch me wherever I fall”
It races away to the point boundary to bring up my half-century.
As I raise the bat, I ponder, “Why isn’t batting always this easy?”
Shane Watson has been able to shed some light on this question of mine in his insightful book “The Winner’s Mindset” in which he outlines how he would successfully use songs to help block out any negative thinking and focus on the task at hand.
He is not the only player to have used this technique with some popular footage of Virender Sehwag showing him singing along whilst hitting a ball over the pickets in the IPL.
Going back to the 1983 summer, David Bowie appeared on the front cover of Australian Cricket Magazine after GRJ Matthews famously credited a David Bowie rehearsal at the Sydney Showground for keeping him on track to score runs against Pakistan at the neighbouring Sydney Cricket Ground.
Matthews recounted the moment for Australian Cricket Magazine in 1983 telling Tony Adams
“I’d just gone out to the wicket when this thundering noise came across from the Showground next door… it was Bowie rehearsing for his Sydney concert.
“I’m a real fan of his and the music helped me no end. I’m often tense at the crease but I was able to relax in between balls and the music had me in a fantastic state of mind.
“I just wish I could bat to music more often; one of the boys suggested he’d put a Bowie tape over the public address system every time I went out to bat and it is not a bad idea.”
2TC17HP David Bowie, Civic Center, Hartford, CT, USA, July 15, 1983. PA / Alamy Stock Photo
It was not a bad idea in 1983 and it is a method I would recommend in 2024. What will be the soundtrack of your success next summer?
I wont be giving up my day job in a hurry, mind you, thanks to Ronan Keating my batting average has improved considerably. Could Ronan help you with your cricket as well? #fyp#cricket#ronankeating#battingtips#cricketpodcast
Special guest Jenny Thompson joins us on the latest edition of the Cricket Library Podcast to share about "Her World Cricket Tour" a project which has taken her to all parts of the globe and is inspiring others to pick up a bat and ball to see how much fun you can have playing the summer game. Jenny's story exemplifies how a love of cricket has taken her on a memorable journey with so many stories for her to share which are documented in her new book.
About Jenny Thompson Jenny Thompson is a former journalist with ESPN Cricinfo who's based in Adelaide but loves travelling the globe playing, writing, talking, scoring, coaching and mentoring cricket. She lives by the beach with her partner Matt and Bam Bam the cat.
https://www.mup.com.au/authors/jenny-thompson
