Spin to Win: A Chat with Kristen Beams

Australia Women’s Kristen Beams appeals for the wicket of Pakistan Women’s Sana Mir
PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo

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. 

Career Statistics

CompetitionWTestWODIWT20IWBBL
Matches1301845
Runs scored2634614
Batting average6.806.007.00
100s/50s0/00/00/00/0
Top score26*11*4*14
Balls bowled661,490378891
Wickets0422037
Bowling average22.4516.6024.08
5 wickets in innings0000
10 wickets in match0
Best bowling4/153/114/11
Catches/stumpings0/–10/–4/–13/

Anupam Sharma – When Bollywood Meets the Baggy Green The Cricket Library

Anupam Sharma sits down with MJ Ellis & shares the origins of his deep love for cricket, reflecting on how the game shaped his early life and continues to inspire his storytelling. We hear how his journey into the film industry began, including a remarkable encounter with Bollywood icon Feroz Khan — a moment that changed the trajectory of his creative life. With a unique perspective on the intersection of sport and cinema, Anupam reflects on his experiences working with cricketing legends like Adam Gilchrist, Brett Lee, Virat Kohli, and Sachin Tendulkar, revealing the humanity behind the heroes. He also shares insights into his latest milestone: the release of his powerful documentary, Brand Bollywood: Down Under, now streaming on Netflix — a film that explores the influence of Bollywood in Australia and the stories that shape our cultural landscape. This episode is a rich celebration of cricket, culture, and the stories that bind us.  
  1. Anupam Sharma – When Bollywood Meets the Baggy Green
  2. Elsa Hunter – WBBL Vibes
  3. Dr John Orchard – New Chapters in Cricket & Medicine
  4. Faye Tunnicliffe – Pursuing Excellence
  5. Monali Patel – From Passion to Profession

Kristen Beams – Memories of being a room attendant for the Australian team

Kristen Beams had a distinguished career as a leg spinner across all three formats for Australia. Recently on the Cricket Library Podcast, she reflected on her experience of being the room attendant for the Australian team who were playing a Rose Bowl game in her home state of Tasmania.

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.