Samantha Lee Bates

About Samantha Lee Bates

Growing up in Newcastle, Samantha Lee Bates began her cricket journey as a promising fast bowler. However, a soccer training accident at the age of 16 required a full knee reconstruction, prompting her to transition to left-arm orthodox spin—a pivotal shift that would define her professional career.

Bates’ talent quickly gained recognition, earning her a spot on the Shooting Stars’ tour of Dubai in 2015. Later that year, she joined the Sydney Thunder for the inaugural Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL|01) season, where she etched her name into franchise history by claiming the club’s first-ever WBBL wicket. Over the decade that followed, she remained a loyal and constant presence in the Thunder’s lime green, establishing herself as the spearhead of their spin attack.

While her allegiance to the Thunder remained steadfast, Bates’ state cricket career took her across the country. After more than ten years contracted with the ACT Meteors, she transitioned to Tasmania for the 2019-20 Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) season. She relocated again in 2021, signing a state contract with Victoria and moving to Melbourne.

Her career faced a challenging period during an injury-plagued 2023-24 summer, which ultimately saw her part ways with Victoria and left her cricketing future in limbo. However, New South Wales offered her a vital lifeline. After training with the NSW Breakers during the preseason, Bates made her long-awaited debut for her home state at the start of the 2024-25 WNCL season. She carried this stellar form back into the WBBL, delivering a dominant campaign for the Sydney Thunder.