One of the most intense rivalries in Women’s Cricket, the Ashes is reaching its crescendo, with the final one-off Test marking the last match of the multi-format series. As Australia leads over England with 12-0, the final Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground will not just be decisive for the points and a clean sweep, but also extremely important for Australia’s stalwart, Beth Mooney, who will be eyeing to reach two records in one go and cement her status as one of the greatest Australian women cricketers.
Australia has been relentlessly dominating the series across all formats and Mooney’s incredible run has been one of the key factors contributing to their success. Although she started off the Ashes with knocks of 28 and 12 in the first two ODIs, she has since exploded into form, registering scores of 50, 75, 44 and a magnificent 94 not out in the last T20I. She is the top scorer of the series with her aggregate of 303 runs, followed by England Skipper Heather Knight, who trails significantly behind Mooney.
The one-off Test is Beth Mooney’s chance to seal her legacy as she stands on the brink of an incredible record and a career milestone. If she adds 102 runs to her tally of 303 runs in the upcoming match, she will set a new benchmark for the most runs scored in a multi-format Ashes campaign, surpassing Nat Sciver-Brunt’s 404 from the 2023 edition.
Not only this, but the Test also presents a chance for Mooney to end her wait for a maiden Test century. Despite her average of 37.75, four half centuries, a highest score of 85 in the longest format, she has come close but never crossed the three-figure mark. The stage is perfectly set for Mooney to achieve personal glory while also ensuring Australia’s clean sweep in the Ashes.
While reflecting on her journey throughout the series, she acknowledged her struggles at the start and her efforts to rekindle her form, “I was battling for some runs early in this series,” she admitted. “I went back to the drawing board and worked out how I wanted to play with the coaches… fortunately, it has come off tonight and hopefully there’s a few more runs left in me.”
“A century in the Test match would be amazing but we can’t look too far ahead,” she said. I’m just really looking forward to the spectacle of the game to be honest,” Mooney said when asked about her desire for Maiden Test Hundred.
She shared her anticipation about the upcoming Test, highlighting the significance it holds for both her and the team. She noted how special it is to have her close ones traveling to Melbourne to witness what could be a historic moment for the Australian side.
“On an individual front and as a group, it’s come at a great time for us to basically just show off our skills and really enjoy playing the four-day game.” This reflects that for Mooney, the Test is not just about personal milestones but also about celebrating the hardwork and dominance of this remarkable Australian team.
As the Women Ashes head into its final chapter, the one-off test promises to be a high-octane face-off. For England, it’s a chance to salvage their pride and avoid a crushing defeat. For Australia it’s an opportunity to continue their dominance and ensure a clean sweep, and for Mooney it is a platform to break dual records and etch her name into cricketing history.
(Quotes sourced from cricket.com.au)
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