Rising Cricket Talent Elsa Hunter Talks Sixers, WBBL Rivalries and Learning from Legends

In this uplifting episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, Sydney Sixers rising star Elsa Hunter joins us for a vibrant conversation during a crucial stretch of the WBBL season. Elsa shares her insights on the Sixers’ strong team vibe, the calm and powerful leadership of new captain Ash Gardner, and what it’s like learning from icons such as Ellyse PerryAlyssa Healy, and the squad’s international talent.

She reflects on her journey from playing local boys’ cricket in Malaysia to becoming a WNCL champion with the NSW Breakers, opening up about finding joy in the game, coping with pressure on the big stage, and navigating the friendly but fierce Sixers–Thunder rivalry.

Elsa also talks about the influence of different coaches, the importance of the mental side of cricket, and her dream of one day representing Australia.

A warm, inspiring, and engaging chat with one of the brightest young talents in the game.

Tune in and enjoy!

Elsa Hunter – WBBL Vibes The Cricket Library

In this uplifting episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, Sydney Sixers rising star Elsa Hunter joins us for a vibrant conversation during a crucial stretch of the WBBL season. Elsa shares her insights on the Sixers' strong team vibe, the calm and powerful leadership of new captain Ash Gardner, and what it’s like learning from icons such as Ellyse Perry, Alyssa Healy, and the squad’s international talent. She reflects on her journey from playing local boys’ cricket in Malaysia to becoming a WNCL champion with the NSW Breakers, opening up about finding joy in the game, coping with pressure on the big stage, and navigating the friendly but fierce Sixers–Thunder rivalry. Elsa also talks about the influence of different coaches, the importance of the mental side of cricket, and her dream of one day representing Australia. A warm, inspiring, and engaging chat with one of the brightest young talents in the game. Tune in and enjoy!
  1. Elsa Hunter – WBBL Vibes
  2. Dr John Orchard – New Chapters in Cricket & Medicine
  3. Faye Tunnicliffe – Pursuing Excellence
  4. Monali Patel – From Passion to Profession
  5. Malcolm Conn – Behind The Headlines

Courtney Sippel – Bringing The Heat

Courtney Sippel of Brisbane Heat bowls during the week 1 Women’s Big Bash League cricket match between Perth Scorchers and Brisbane Heat. Credit: Pete Dovgan/Speed Media/Alamy Live News

Step into the world of Courtney Sippel, a rising star from Country Queensland, leaving her mark with the Brisbane Heat in the WBBL and Queensland in the WNCL.

Delve deep with us as Courtney reveals the genesis of her cricketing passion, the relentless dedication it takes to secure a place in the QLD squad, her nuanced bowling strategies throughout the game, her journey to representing Australia A, and, of course, the dream lineup she’d pick for her ultimate cricket net session.

Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button on the Cricket Library Podcast and share your positive reviews to help us to keep sharing stories like this one.

Elsa Hunter – WBBL Vibes The Cricket Library

In this uplifting episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, Sydney Sixers rising star Elsa Hunter joins us for a vibrant conversation during a crucial stretch of the WBBL season. Elsa shares her insights on the Sixers' strong team vibe, the calm and powerful leadership of new captain Ash Gardner, and what it’s like learning from icons such as Ellyse Perry, Alyssa Healy, and the squad’s international talent. She reflects on her journey from playing local boys’ cricket in Malaysia to becoming a WNCL champion with the NSW Breakers, opening up about finding joy in the game, coping with pressure on the big stage, and navigating the friendly but fierce Sixers–Thunder rivalry. Elsa also talks about the influence of different coaches, the importance of the mental side of cricket, and her dream of one day representing Australia. A warm, inspiring, and engaging chat with one of the brightest young talents in the game. Tune in and enjoy!
  1. Elsa Hunter – WBBL Vibes
  2. Dr John Orchard – New Chapters in Cricket & Medicine
  3. Faye Tunnicliffe – Pursuing Excellence
  4. Monali Patel – From Passion to Profession
  5. Malcolm Conn – Behind The Headlines

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/

Elsa Hunter – WBBL Vibes The Cricket Library

In this uplifting episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, Sydney Sixers rising star Elsa Hunter joins us for a vibrant conversation during a crucial stretch of the WBBL season. Elsa shares her insights on the Sixers' strong team vibe, the calm and powerful leadership of new captain Ash Gardner, and what it’s like learning from icons such as Ellyse Perry, Alyssa Healy, and the squad’s international talent. She reflects on her journey from playing local boys’ cricket in Malaysia to becoming a WNCL champion with the NSW Breakers, opening up about finding joy in the game, coping with pressure on the big stage, and navigating the friendly but fierce Sixers–Thunder rivalry. Elsa also talks about the influence of different coaches, the importance of the mental side of cricket, and her dream of one day representing Australia. A warm, inspiring, and engaging chat with one of the brightest young talents in the game. Tune in and enjoy!
  1. Elsa Hunter – WBBL Vibes
  2. Dr John Orchard – New Chapters in Cricket & Medicine
  3. Faye Tunnicliffe – Pursuing Excellence
  4. Monali Patel – From Passion to Profession
  5. Malcolm Conn – Behind The Headlines

Weber WBBL|08 Countdown Is On – 30 Days To Go!

The Weber WBBL will be back with a bang next month with some high quality signings putting pen to paper ensuring the talent pool will be deep across the 8 clubs.

The huge news today coming out of the Harbour City was the announcement that the premier bowler in T20 Cricket around the world Sophie Ecclestone will be wearing Magenta this summer. The talented spinner is delighted to be teaming up with some of her traditional adversaries in the International arena and will add another dimension to the 6ers outfit.

The competition has come a long way from its inaugural season and Weber WBBL|08 promises to be must-see viewing with some of the biggest stars already locked away with plenty more player announcements to come in the lead-up to the tournament.

When it comes to a high-quality day out with the family, it is hard to go past Weber WBBL|08 with the festival atmosphere combining music, food and on-field action it is a must this Spring.

Festival Weekends:
Great Barrier Reef Arena (13-18 Oct)
WACA Ground (20-23 Oct)
Allan Border Field (25-29 Oct)
Blundstone Arena (3-7 Nov)
CitiPower Centre (10-13 Nov) 
North Sydney Oval (16-20 Nov)

 Secure your tickets to the Weber WBBL|08 today!

Elsa Hunter – WBBL Vibes The Cricket Library

In this uplifting episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, Sydney Sixers rising star Elsa Hunter joins us for a vibrant conversation during a crucial stretch of the WBBL season. Elsa shares her insights on the Sixers' strong team vibe, the calm and powerful leadership of new captain Ash Gardner, and what it’s like learning from icons such as Ellyse Perry, Alyssa Healy, and the squad’s international talent. She reflects on her journey from playing local boys’ cricket in Malaysia to becoming a WNCL champion with the NSW Breakers, opening up about finding joy in the game, coping with pressure on the big stage, and navigating the friendly but fierce Sixers–Thunder rivalry. Elsa also talks about the influence of different coaches, the importance of the mental side of cricket, and her dream of one day representing Australia. A warm, inspiring, and engaging chat with one of the brightest young talents in the game. Tune in and enjoy!
  1. Elsa Hunter – WBBL Vibes
  2. Dr John Orchard – New Chapters in Cricket & Medicine
  3. Faye Tunnicliffe – Pursuing Excellence
  4. Monali Patel – From Passion to Profession
  5. Malcolm Conn – Behind The Headlines

Fill The Furnace

The message to Perth Scorchers fans is simple – Fill The Furnace for the Weber WBBL|07 final this weekend.

This is a magnificent opportunity for fans in WA to see some high quality cricket and witness history as the Perth Scorchers hope to fulfil their quest of lifting the coveted WBBL trophy for the first time.

After finishing first on the ladder, the Scorchers will be watching on closely to see who their opponents will be.

One of many players taking to social media to spread the word is former guest on the Cricket Library Weekly Piepa Cleary.

Regardless on how things pan out on Saturday, one thing we are certain of here at the Cricket Library is that this years’ competition has been next level in terms of the skills executed on the field with the quality of cricket on show of the highest order.

RL Haynes Retained As Thunder Captain

In some fantastic news for fans of the Sydney Thunder, Rachael Haynes has agreed to terms for another season with the reigning WBBL Champions. She was part of the inaugural Thunder WBBL team which won the WBBL|01 title and was the captain in their WBBL|06 victorious campaign.

She is the Thunder WBBL all time leading run scorer and will be looking to lead from the front again in WBBL|07.

Welcome back RL Haynes!

Haiku Poem By Matt Fiction

Rachael Haynes signs on

Thunder Nation celebrate

Good to see her back!

Rachel Priest Special Guest on the Cricket Library Weekly

This week on the Cricket Library Weekly, Robbie Mackinlay catches up with Rachel Priest from the Hobart Hurricanes and Tasmanian Roar. We hear some interesting insights from the powerful top order batter about her move to Tasmania, reflections on the Rebel WBBL and how preparations are tracking for the upcoming WNCL season. Robbie also asks a question on behalf of one of the Cricket Library Weekly’s loyal listeners.

The lads also have a look at the test series between Australia and India as we head into the final match in what has been full of gripping cricket.

We also delve into some statistics to try and work out which are the best bats in the KFC Big Bash League.

Needless to say, they also address your questions in the highly popular Matt’s Mailbag segment with a query this week sent through by some younger listeners from Orange in Central West NSW.

Please remember to subscribe to the Cricket Library Podcast on your favourite podcast provider and leave a review to help us to continue to start conversations that inspire a love of cricket.

The Cricket Library Podcast – Maisy Gibson Interview

Maisy Gibson rose to prominence playing an integral role in the success of the Sydney Thunder WBBL team that won the inaugural WBBL competition.

In this edition of the Cricket Library Podcast we get to hear more of the Maisy Gibson story which started in the backyard in Singleton and progressed through the NSW representative pathway and becoming the 1st woman to play 1st Grade in the 120 year history of the Maitland and District Cricket Association when she became player number 327 for the Western Suburbs Plovers.

She would go on to have success with the Sydney Thunder in the WBBL and the highly successful NSW Breakers in the WNCL competition. Maisy shares about this time as well as her move to Tasmania where she is now plying her craft with the Hobart Hurricanes and Tasmanian Roar.

Maisy who has experienced a net with WWE Superstar John Cena gives considerable thought to her three net session selections and her choices will not disappoint.

Outside of cricket Maisy channels her creative energy into her sock business the Sock Enthusiast which can be found on Instagram 

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 Maisy Gibson.