Beth Mooney, who helped Australia win the Women’s Ashes with a splendid 73 in the first ODI, might be rested for the remaining two games as the ICC Women’s World Cup 2022 also looms.
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Australia has continued its dominance over England in the Ashes contest. After the men retained the Ashes for the third consecutive time, the women’s team followed suit. After winning the T20I series and drawing the Test in thrilling fashion, Australia won the first ODI in Canberra thanks to Beth Mooney’s superlative knock of 73. Mooney, who was in doubt for the entire Ashes, had her jaw broken before the start of the series in the nets. However, the left-handed superstar made a remarkable recovery and smashed 73 to guide Australia over the line. With Australia leading the points-based Ashes series 6-2, they have regained the Urn yet again.
However, Australia player Rachel Haynes believes that Australia is faced with a dual conundrum. The confusion is whether to rest Mooney or not. After the end of the Ashes, the ICC Women’s World Cup will take place in New Zealand. After the end of the series, Australia will depart after two days and stay in hard quarantine for 10 days in New Zealand. This might further prolong the injuries that some players are carrying.
Read – Women’s Ashes Test ends in thrilling Draw
“I wouldn’t be surprised if our staff took a little bit of a conservative approach with Moons just given how crucial she is to our line-up. I don’t think they’ve selected the team yet but I wouldn’t be surprised if she was rested just to make sure she’s raring to go with what’s ahead,” Haynes stated.
However, there is one major reason why Australia might not be tempted to rest Beth Mooney. In 2017, England and Australia leveled the series at 8-8. But, because Australia had won the earlier series, they still managed to retain the Urn. The Southern Stars are determined that they do not want a repeat of 2017.
“We didn’t finish off as well as we would’ve liked. We played some good cricket. But we just opened the door and it felt like we allowed them to finish pretty strongly. I guess walk away feeling like they drew the series. From our point of view we want to make sure that we win,” Haynes stated.
Mooney’s 73, combined with solid knocks from Alyssa Healy, Meg Lanning, and Alana King helped Australia reach 205/9. Darcie Brown took 4/32 and backed by two wickets from Megan Schutt, Jess Jonassen and Tahlia McGrath, Australia won the match by 27 runs. The remaining two matches will be played on February 6 and February 8 at the Junction Oval in Melbourne.
