Beth Mooney Steps Up as Australia Prepares for New Zealand ODI Series

Perth, Dec 10 (NationPress) Australian wicketkeeper-batter Beth Mooney is prepared to fulfill her responsibilities behind the stumps during the forthcoming ODI series against New Zealand, as regular keeper and captain Alyssa Healy concentrates on her recovery from a knee injury.

With three ODIs scheduled within five days in Wellington, Mooney is expected to maintain the gloves, prioritizing Healy's fitness for the vital multi-format Ashes series in January.

Speaking ahead of the third ODI against India at the WACA Ground, Mooney shared her enthusiasm about taking on the wicketkeeping role.

"I haven't kept in a 50-over game for a couple of years, so it's been different, but I love it," Mooney stated. "It's a great opportunity for me to have a few games with the gloves."

Healy, who is steadily recovering, will rejoin the squad for the New Zealand tour. While she has been practicing batting, her readiness for keeping is still in question.

"At this stage, she's doing everything she can to ensure she's right," Mooney remarked. "She’s been in the nets batting ... I think she'll be assessed as we approach New Zealand. She might just try to get on the field as a batter for now."

This tactical move allows Healy to fully regain fitness without risking further injury, keeping the Ashes and ICC Women’s ODI World Cup in mind.

Emerging talent Georgia Voll, who substituted for Healy during the India series, has been added to the New Zealand touring squad following a remarkable start to her international career. The young opener made headlines with a century in just her second ODI on Sunday.

"She's taken it like a duck to water. She's been really impressive ... scoring runs at the top of the order for Sydney Thunder has given her confidence, and she's doing everything possible to keep her name in the spotlight," Mooney said of Voll.

Voll’s addition provides Australia with flexibility as Healy gradually integrates back into the team, showcasing the strength of the next generation.

With an unassailable 2-0 lead in the ongoing series against India, Mooney highlighted that the final ODI at the WACA is far from a dead rubber. Points in the ICC Women’s ODI Championship are on the line, and the race for the top position remains fierce.

Australia leads the Championship table with 32 points, slightly ahead of England with 30 points, while India sits in third with 25 points and seven games remaining. Winning the last game against India and the series in New Zealand will be essential for Australia to maintain their lead and secure a third consecutive Championship title.

"We have to treat each of these games as separate, as they're for Championship points," Mooney stated. "India will come out strong ... but we’ve got one of the best bowling line-ups in the world, so we’ll aim to create some havoc early."

Mooney also emphasized the importance of utilizing every ODI game to prepare for the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup in October 2025.

"Every ODI match we play from now until October next year will be crucial for ensuring we get everything right leading up to that," she concluded.