Will It Be an Epic Contest Across All Formats Against India? Beth Mooney
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Beth Mooney anticipates significant opportunities for new players.
- The series features a day-night Test at WACA.
- Expect high emotions following India's recent ODI World Cup victory.
- This is a pivotal moment for Australia as they prepare for the T20 World Cup.
- Women's Tests provide a unique chance for selectors to experiment.
Melbourne, Nov 26 (NationPress) While Beth Mooney is currently engaged in the Women’s Big Bash League, her thoughts are already shifting towards the significant event in March when Australia faces India in a day-night Test match. With a mere 100 days remaining, the Australian batter is contemplating the potential for new talent to step into the national squad.
The match, featuring a pink ball at the WACA Ground from March 6-9, will conclude a thrilling multi-format series that includes three T20Is and three ODIs. The stakes are particularly high after India's remarkable semi-final victory over Australia in the recent ODI World Cup, where Harmanpreet Kaur's team secured their inaugural ICC title.
“The concerning aspect about India right now is their recent stability in selection and other decisions. They seem to have developed a strong style of play across all formats,” Mooney remarked as reported by cricket.com.au.
“This will be an extraordinary showdown across all formats, culminating in a Test match at WACA, which is incredibly thrilling. (The World Cup) didn’t unfold as we hoped during that semi-final, yet we continue to play an impressive brand of cricket in the 50-over format and have regained our form in T20s. Therefore, I anticipate a thrilling series overall, and I hope we attract a large fan turnout,” she added.
For Australia, this series is crucial. The T20Is will mark their first games in almost a year, providing an essential opportunity to assess player combinations ahead of the T20 World Cup in England in June 2026. The ODIs signal the beginning of a new four-year cycle in the 50-over format, a period expected to bring significant changes to the squad.
And then there's the Test. Rare and free from the constraints of a championship ladder, women’s Tests allow selectors to experiment. It could serve as an ideal platform to introduce the next generation and create momentum for the future.
“This presents an excellent chance to integrate some players into the Australian team. As we approach a T20 World Cup year, the approach may differ based on personnel. However, I believe (the Test) is a fantastic opportunity to involve young players, give them exposure, and allow them to don the Australian shirt,” she stated.
India's multi-format tour of Australia kicks off on February 15 at the renowned Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).