Photo Credit: Sydney Thunder
Spinner Sam Bates is refusing to allow the COVID-19 pandemic to stop her from pursuing her childhood dream
Sydney Thunder spin bowler Sam Bates has never shied away from any challenge on the field, and she’s being just as defiant in refusing to allow the COVID-19 pandemic that locked down parts of the nation to stop her from pursuing her childhood dream.
Bates, who was one of the star performers throughout Thunder’s WBBL|06 title victory last summer is studying a Bachelor in Paramedical Science to enable her to fulfill the dream she’s had since being a six-year-old in Newcastle.
Rather than allow for the COVID threat to make her reconsider her plans for life after cricket, Bates admitted it was “frustrating” for her to watch on as paramedics and other frontline health workers around Australia put their own health at risk as they clocked up crazy hours to help patients.
“[The job] is something I really want to be a part of, but I’m at the point where I’m not quite a paramedic so I can’t be a part of what’s happening,” said Bates, who is one of Thunder’s foundation players.
“But it’s hard to be on the sideline; I’m not good at being on the sideline at the best of times. Regardless of a pandemic or not, becoming a paramedic is something I’ve always wanted to do.
“While [COVID] hasn’t changed my view about wanting to become a paramedic, I think it has provided the public with a greater appreciation for people who do go into fields such as paramedics and nursing because, as we’ve seen, they put others first.”
Bates, who switched from Tasmania to play for Victoria’s Women’s National Cricket League team, said her state training sessions with her new teammates had primed her to perform in WBBL|07.
“It’s been a challenge, but a good one,” said Bates, who bowls left-arm finger spin. “When you go to Victoria training and the squad’s Australian representatives are there, you need to switch on or else you will be pumped.
“It’s incredible. Meg Lanning and Ellyse Perry are in one net, Sophie Molineux and Annabel Sutherland are in the next… I find it’s a great test.”
It’s been ideal preparation for Bates who acknowledged Sydney Thunder started the season with a ‘target on its back’ after steamrolling Melbourne Stars to win last season’s title in the Final at North Sydney Oval.
And while she made a huge impression as one of the competition’s most formidable bowlers, she’s determined to improve upon her rich harvest of 18 wickets.
“As a bowler, and a competitor, I always try to be better than I was the year before,” she said. “I’ve been working on a few tricks of the trade because you just never know in T20 cricket. That’s why I’ve honed in – and hard – on my variations.”
Leah Poulton, CNSW Head of Female Cricket Performance, described Bates as one of the most underrated of all the players in the WBBL.
“Sam has never had a bad year, she’s an absolute banker,” enthused Poulton. “She’s an absolute banker.
“I view her as one of the premier spinners in the competition, and the way she has evolved her game. She’s always been really good with the new ball and the power play, but I think she is far more versatile than that these days.”
Sydney Thunder WBBL|07 Schedule (All AEDT Start Times)
Sun 7 Nov | v Brisbane Heat | 10:15am | Adelaide Oval | Seven/Foxtel/Kayo
Tues 9 Nov | v Adelaide Strikers | 6:00pm | Karen Rolton Oval | Foxtel/Kayo/cricket.com.au
Thurs 11 Nov | v Perth Scorchers | 1:25pm | Karen Rolton Oval | Foxtel/Kayo/cricket.com.au
Sun 14 Nov | v Sydney Sixers | 1:40pm | Great Barrier Reef Arena | Seven/Foxtel/Kayo
Wed 17 Nov | v Melbourne Renegades | 7:05pm | Great Barrier Reef Arena | Foxtel/Kayo/cricket.com.au
Fri 19 Nov | v Brisbane Heat | 7:05pm | Great Barrier Reef Arena | Foxtel/Kayo/cricket.com.au
Sat 20 Nov | v Hobart Hurricanes | 3:40pm | Great Barrier Reef Arena | Foxtel/Kayo/cricket.com.au
