Beth Mooney has assumed the captaincy of the Perth Scorchers from Sophie Devine for the 12th season of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). Acknowledging the challenge, Mooney admits that leading the team is “a little bit daunting”. The Scorchers, winners of the 2021 title under Devine’s captaincy, kick off their campaign at home against the Melbourne Renegades this Saturday at the WACA.
Having joined the Scorchers from Brisbane Heat in 2020, Mooney has participated in 80 games for the team. “Perth and the Scorchers have become a second home to me, and I’ve been fortunate to play alongside some amazing team-mates and leaders during my time in WA,” Mooney expressed. “We’ve built a strong culture on and off the field, and we’re incredibly proud to represent the state. Soph has done an incredible job over the last six years, and I’ll no doubt be picking her brains throughout the season. We have a talented team that is hungry for success – especially after falling just short in last year’s decider – so we’re itching to step on to the field.”
Both Mooney and Devine joined the Scorchers simultaneously, with Devine becoming the team’s most-capped overseas player, featuring in 77 matches. Under her leadership, the Scorchers reached the finals again in 2025, marking their fourth appearance in a title bout, though they were defeated by the Hobart Hurricanes.
“Soph has been an exceptional leader, our first championship captain, and a huge driver of our fantastic team culture,” stated head coach Becky Grundy. “We’re grateful for the enormous amount she contributed to the role, and I look forward to working closely with her and Beth again this season as we target the club’s second championship. Beth is an exceptional leader whose actions consistently set the benchmarks for those around her. Her experience at the highest level of the game, combined with her competitiveness, professionalism, and genuine care for her team-mates, make her the ideal person to lead this group.”
Mooney, with 5600 runs under her belt, holds the record for the most runs scored in the WBBL, having played for both Heat and Scorchers. Before joining the Scorchers, she clinched the WBBL title twice with the Heat, during the consecutive seasons of 2018-19 and 2019-20.
