Beth Mooney has consistently excelled in high-stakes games, earning accolades such as Player of the Match in the 2023 T20 World Cup final and Player of the Tournament in the 2020 edition. With a remarkable ODI World Cup average of 110 and significant contributions in the WBBL, Mooney has proven her big-game temperament. Despite being overshadowed by superstars, she has been a top performer in T20 cricket since 2020. Mooney expressed her love for winning and her competitive spirit, emphasizing the importance of contributing to team success. Now playing for Gujarat Giants in the WPL, she aims to inspire and improve the team’s performance.
What is it about Mooney that allows her to excel in decisive matches?
“I really enjoy winning,” Mooney shared with ESPNcricinfo. “Winning is always rewarding in a team sport, and being able to contribute is key. I’m naturally competitive and courageous. It may not always appear graceful when I’m playing, but during a contest, my priority is not to let the team down. I strive to do whatever it takes to help my team secure victory and contribute positively.”
“Perhaps it’s just coincidence, or maybe it isn’t. It’s challenging to pinpoint exactly why, but it probably aligns with the fact that the Australian team has participated in numerous finals, giving me countless chances to bat in the top order in both ODIs and T20s. I thrive in competitive situations and relish the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution.”
“In T20 cricket, it’s essential to adopt an aggressive approach whenever possible, while being aware of one’s own strengths. Understanding the best match-ups against different teams is crucial. If you can build momentum against a specific bowler, it opens opportunities against the others,” Mooney explained. “You will inevitably get out at some point – that’s part of the game – but I aim to get out in a manner that aligns with my style of play; that’s when I can accept it.”
“If I’m dismissed by carelessly throwing my wicket away, then I’m disappointed and aware that I could have performed better. However, I believe that accepting the reality of T20 cricket is vital for playing naturally and aiming to position my team for victory.”
Currently participating in the WPL in India, Mooney aspires to instill a winning mindset and a strong desire to score runs within the Gujarat Giants setup – a team she has been part of since its inaugural season. Unfortunately, the Giants have struggled, finishing last in the five-team table in both 2023 and 2024. However, they are performing much better this season and currently sit in third place. Mooney believes a consistent winning or losing mentality, particularly in T20s, forms a habit, and the Giants have not yet achieved that.
“I’m 31 years old now. I have no desire to captain teams. I prefer to lead quietly, making an impact on the group without drawing too much attention to myself while simply doing my job.”
“It’s clear that we haven’t secured many victories at Gujarat,” Mooney expressed. “This isn’t due to a lack of effort or attitude. The team’s mindset has been superb, and the coaching staff is providing us with ample opportunities for training and enhancing our game knowledge.”
“At times, I believe T20 cricket can hinge on luck and timing. Winning and losing can become habitual; unfortunately, we’ve faced some close losses. Had we secured a few wins, we might have built momentum and learned how to clinch those matches. Nevertheless, I genuinely feel we have a group capable of vying for the finals.”
Mooney was disappointed to have missed the inaugural WPL season due to a calf strain after just one match, but she returned to captain the side in the second season. Although Ash Gardner has taken on the captaincy this season, Mooney is eager to share her insights with the Indian players in the Giants and also learn from them. One aspect she particularly enjoys during the WPL is the vibrant crowd, especially in Bengaluru.
“Experiencing the difference from playing in front of a few hundred family and friends to now 30, 50, or even 60,000 people is remarkable,” she noted. “International Women’s Day is approaching, marking five years since the T20 World Cup final in Australia, where we played before 86,000 at the MCG. I never imagined such an event would occur in my lifetime.”
“Winning and losing can become habitual; unfortunately, we’ve likely lost several very close games.”
Beth Mooney on the Giants’ performance
“Although it has come sooner than expected, we haven’t seen as many wins as we would hope, particularly in Australia. However, Indian crowds tend to be passionate. We are at the Chinnaswamy Stadium currently, and the RCB fans create an electric atmosphere. It’s refreshing to witness the growth and interest in women’s cricket, with people eager to watch and find ways to secure tickets.”
Having been a wicketkeeper since her days in age-group cricket, Mooney has fulfilled wicketkeeping roles for various franchises globally, but not as much for Australia. However, with Healy sidelined due to injury, Mooney has become the primary wicketkeeping option. And it’s a role she enjoys immensely.
“I’ve always identified as a wicketkeeper since I was ten,” Mooney stated. “In the Australian team, Alyssa has typically been the primary keeper, which necessitated my pursuit of other roles to fit in. It’s a skill set I am very comfortable with and have honed over many years, but I am equally confident in my fielding abilities.”
“Throughout my career, I have maintained a good balance between franchise and domestic cricket in Australia, allowing me to provide different options to Australian selectors by offering a second wicketkeeping option on tours. I’ve enjoyed being able to add this flexibility to the Australian team’s squad, and with Alyssa injured, little else needs to change in their starting XI. They can simply add an extra allrounder or a batter or bowler instead of two additional players to fill the batting and keeping roles.”
Given Mooney’s impressive skills and cricketing intellect, it’s curious that she has yet to captain Australia in any format, despite her nine years with the national team. Her leadership role in franchise cricket has also been sporadic. With Healy’s future in international cricket beyond the 2025 ODI World Cup uncertain, does Mooney have aspirations to lead Australia?
“No, absolutely not. At 31, I have no interest in becoming a captain,” she replied. “I enjoy being a leader, but I prefer to do so quietly, influencing the group without demanding attention while executing my role. I’ve always been open to accepting leadership responsibilities if asked by the right people, provided it positively impacts the group. However, I truly do not seek out the captaincy.”
Ashish Pant is a sub-editor with ESPNcricinfo