2 min read

Mooney Focuses on World Cup Redemption and Olympic Dreams

Beth Mooney, a prominent figure in the Australian women’s cricket team, approaches a major personal milestone as she prepares to appear in her 100th One-Day International (ODI) match. Set to take place during the concluding game of the series against Bangladesh at Allan Border Field, this achievement is backed by impressive statistics — Mooney ranks seventh on Australia’s all-time ODI runs list, boasting 3,288 runs with an average of 49.81, including six centuries.

Reflecting on motivations beyond her 100th ODI, Mooney, at 32, isn’t resting on her laurels. Last year’s World Cup semi-final loss to India still lingers. Australia had previously bounced back from a 2017 final defeat to recover the title in 2022, and Mooney is keen to contribute further victories to the team’s annals. “We’re coming off a T20 World Cup win and looking ahead to numerous ICC events and Ashes series. The 50-over World Cup is definitely still a target,” Mooney admitted, eyeing participation and success in the 2029 tournament.

The forthcoming inclusion of cricket at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and, potentially, the 2032 Brisbane Olympics adds another layer to her career ambitions. “The Olympics is a huge draw,” Mooney revealed. “With more incentives and better remuneration, retiring later is becoming more common. The cricket calendar’s always exciting, so calling it quits now feels premature.”

While contemplating her future, Mooney remains focused on contributing meaningfully to her team and nurturing emerging talent. Her views on Australia’s evolving game were evident when discussing young openers Georgia Voll and Phoebe Litchfield. The duo scored 162 runs within 20 overs in their recent triumph over Bangladesh, showcasing a modern approach to the game. “It’s exciting to see how Phoebe and Georgia are transforming the 50-over format. It energises me to imagine our potential run scores,” Mooney shared, signalling her dedication to pushing boundaries.

With a mix of upcoming tournaments and franchise cricket engagements, Mooney’s journey in the sport continues, roots firmly planted in present achievements while looking forward to future accolades.

About the author