'Lucky charm' Beams eyes Test debut

Kristen Beams is hoping she might just be the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars’ lucky charm as they prepare to battle England for the Women’s Ashes.

After a decade playing for VicSpirit in the domestic arena, leg-spinner Beams was rewarded in mid-2014 with a call-up to the Southern Stars squad to take on Pakistan.

She immediately impressed with her control and willingness to toss the ball into the air, taking 1-26 as Australia cruised to an eight-wicket victory.

In the five One-Day Internationals and six Twenty20s Beams has played since, the Southern Stars have maintained their unbeaten run, securing series wins over Pakistan and the West Indies.

“I haven’t lost a game in Australia colours yet,” 30-year-old Beams said.

“I might just be a good omen for the team, so we’ll see what happens.”

While that winning feeling has been a major bonus for Beams, just being part of the Australian set-up is the biggest thrill.

“They’re just such a great group to be around,” she said.

“I’ve definitely learnt a lot, having the opportunity to bowl to some different batters and I’ve just loved every minute of it.”

Quick single: Jonassen fit after rollercoaster summer

Now, the Commonwealth Bank VicSpirit spinner has been included in the Southern Stars squad for the women’s Ashes, released earlier this month.

It was the realisation of a long-held dream for Beams, who will have another important advantage when she sets foot on English soil in addition to her considerable skill with the ball.

“I was lucky enough to play a county cricket season a few years ago for Essex,” she said.

“It was my first time bowling to some of those England batters, which was such a challenge because they sweep the ball a lot more and play very differently to us.

“The wickets are pretty friendly for spin bowling, so fingers crossed I can get myself out there because I think it’s the ultimate.”

Quick single: Osborne's Ashes prep in enemy territory

After a break at the end of what was a busy seven months for the spinner as she combined national and domestic duties, Beams has been hard at work training for the Ashes with her fellow Southern Stars.

Image Id: ~/media/2FE6C51D816343D4812E2532D33EF84ABeams celebrates a wicket against the West Indies // Getty Images

First on the agenda was a team camp in Queensland, which allowed the players a chance to bond with each other and new coach Matthew Mott, before a training camp at the Bupa National Cricket Centre in Brisbane.

The team is putting in the hard yards as they attempt to win back the Ashes for the first time since 2011, but Beams is not bothered by the toil.

“I’m just really excited and lucky to be part of the group, to be honest,” she said.

“It was probably a bit of a shock to be part of the team last season, so to be rewarded with a contract for this season is just really cool.

“The ball has been coming out okay which is great.

“It’s been good to be able to train on turf and spend time in Brisbane for preparation as opposed to Melbourne, where it is rainy and harder to train.”

If all goes to plan, Beams hopes she will be given the chance to play a major role in the Southern Stars’ campaign, which will feature one Test, three ODIs and three Twenty20s against England.

An opportunity to wear the Baggy Green and play in a Test match is top of Beams’ wish list for the series, which kicks off on July 21.

Quick single: Test remains crucial despite points change

“It really is the ultimate, to be playing in an Ashes series away from home. Everyone is really excited about what might be,” she said.

“We play very little Test cricket, I was very lucky to make my debut in Twenty20 and one-day cricket but to wear a Baggy Green from my point of view would be the ultimate experience.

“That’s what you dream about as a kid.”