Beth Mooney Achieves Historic 7000-Run Milestone in Women's Cricket
Australian cricketer Beth Mooney has etched her name into the record books by becoming the fourth batter from her country to amass 7000 international runs in women's cricket. The 32-year-old left-hander achieved this feat during a thrilling six-wicket victory over India in the ODI clash at Allan Border Field on Tuesday night.
A Stellar Performance and Player of the Match Accolades
Mooney's impressive innings of 76 runs off 79 deliveries not only propelled Australia to a crucial win but also earned her the player of the match award. This victory leveled the multi-format series at two wins apiece, with two more ODIs scheduled in Hobart and a Test match to follow in Perth.
When she scored her sixth run of the match, Mooney joined an exclusive group of Australian cricket greats, including Meg Lanning, Ellyse Perry, and Alyssa Healy. Reflecting on this achievement, Mooney expressed humility and gratitude.
"I didn't know that came up tonight, but certainly when I first started playing with this team, I didn't think I'd be on too many lists alongside those three players," she said. "It is probably a testament to being around for a long time but also the opportunities that have been presented to me. I am very grateful and lucky that the coaching staff I've had throughout my career, and the selectors I've had, have shown a lot of faith and trust in me. Hopefully, that is not the end, and I have plenty more in me."
Surpassing a Legendary Figure
In a remarkable twist, Mooney also surpassed the great Sir Donald Bradman's total international runs for Australia. With her second run of the innings, she drew level with Bradman's mark of 6996 runs, albeit from 127 more innings than the Don, highlighting her consistency and longevity in the sport.
Versatility and Key Partnerships on Display
Mooney demonstrated her versatility as a player for all occasions. When the situation required patience, she played the gaps to perfection. When the team needed to accelerate, she rose to the challenge, hitting two immaculate sixes down the ground against India. Her strike rate surged from 70 to nearly 100 in no time, making it look effortless.
She formed a crucial 64-run partnership with captain Alyssa Healy, who scored 50 off 70 deliveries. Healy, set to retire at the end of this international series after a stellar career, shared a memorable moment with Mooney.
"It has been a real privilege to play alongside Midge (Healy) and obviously spend a fair bit of time out in the middle with her," Mooney said. "We have had some pretty amazing partnerships along the way. Tonight's was much-needed after back-to-back wickets. To see the way she adapts and changes her style of play based on the conditions and the situation in front of her has been class throughout her career. To share a partnership with her was cool, and hopefully, we've got a few more in us by the end of the series."
Team Strategy and Future Prospects
Mooney revealed that Australia had aimed for a target of 300 runs, showcasing the team's aggressive batting approach. "That's where we want to be as a batting group, where we are adapting to conditions but also taking the game on where we can," she explained. "The conditions in Hobart will be different, so it will be nice to get down there and have a couple of ODIs on a pretty good batting wicket. To level out the series has been really good for us, and hopefully, we can win the next two as well leading into the Test."
Bowling Efforts and Squad Adjustments
She also praised the bowlers for restricting India to 214 runs, particularly highlighting Megan Schutt's contribution. Schutt was called into the side at the last minute after fellow fast bowler Kim Garth suffered a quad injury. Despite not playing in the recent T20 series, which India won 2-1, Schutt took an early morning flight to join the squad and claimed a wicket in the opening over, demonstrating the team's depth and resilience.
This victory not only marks a personal milestone for Mooney but also sets the stage for an exciting conclusion to the series, with Australia poised to build on this momentum in the upcoming matches.
