Sam Bates credits her remarkable WBBL season with the Sydney Thunder to a shift in mindset—convincing herself that her career might be nearing its end. Heading into the knockout final against Hobart Hurricanes, Bates is one of Thunder’s key players, leading the team in wickets with her left-arm finger spin. At 32, she has recently signed a two-year contract, extending her career with Thunder until 2026. However, the past year had her uncertain about her future.
After an unremarkable 2023-24 season, where she was dropped by Victoria and took only five wickets in the WBBL, Bates was ready to turn her attention to finishing her paramedics degree. Even when she joined NSW for the pre-season and played for the Breakers, she believed this could be her last season in cricket.
“I decided early on that if this was my last season, that was going to be OK,” Bates shared. This mentality took the pressure off her, allowing her to focus on being herself as a player and bowl in a way that felt authentic. This clarity, combined with support from Lisa Sthalekar in the pre-season, helped her reclaim confidence and form.
Bates has since delivered some stellar performances, including two four-wicket hauls. With 19 wickets at an average of 12.10, she is the second-leading wicket-taker of the season and earned a spot in the WBBL’s team of the tournament. Although Thunder face a do-or-die situation in the finals, Bates feels they have yet to play their best cricket.
Thunder will meet the Hurricanes in the knockout final at Drummoyne, with the winner advancing to a grand-final qualifier against Brisbane Heat.
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