Australia’s Beth Mooney has quietly carved out a reputation as one of the fiercest competitors in women’s cricket. At 31, the Queenslander has already won four World Cups, three Ashes series, and a Commonwealth Games gold medal, while becoming the first Australian woman to score a century in all three formats of the game.
Yet Mooney’s journey has not been without pain—or remarkable resilience.
A Jaw-Dropping Comeback
In January 2022, Mooney suffered a brutal injury during net practice. A “rogue” delivery from coach Matthew Mott fractured her jaw in multiple places.
“I’ve got titanium plates in my face, two down here near my chin and one up near my ear,” she recalled.
Most players might have considered stepping back, but ten days later, Mooney returned to bat at number three in a Test match, helping Australia to another Ashes triumph.
“I couldn’t really open my mouth for the first couple of weeks… I was restricted to milkshakes and mashed potato and gravy,” she said, laughing.
A Selfless Superstar
Despite her staggering achievements—nearly 6,000 international runs—Mooney prefers a low-profile role in a team brimming with household names like Ellyse Perry and Alyssa Healy.
“I’m more than happy to be out of the limelight and let them do all that,” she said.
Mooney embodies a rare blend of selflessness and quiet brilliance, thriving in situations where she is required to rescue her team. This was most evident during the 2025 Women’s World Cup match against Pakistan, when she orchestrated a remarkable recovery from 76-7.
“I thrive in those situations… wanting to be the person that can change the outcome of the game,” she said.
Relentless Work Ethic
One hallmark of Mooney’s career is her relentless approach to preparation and fitness. In the third T20 of Australia’s 16-0 Ashes sweep, she ran 54 of her 94 runs—a record for non-boundary runs in a T20 for Australia.
“There’s a real sense of pride with the way we work… everyone just does it because they know how important it is,” Mooney said.
Her mentality exemplifies the ethos of a side renowned for pushing itself to the limit: hard work, adaptability, and consistency under pressure.
“You know that if you let your guard down slightly, it doesn’t take much for someone playing really well domestically to take your spot,” she added.
Looking Ahead
Mooney has already achieved what most cricketers only dream of, yet her focus remains on team success rather than personal glory. With the 2025 Women’s World Cup continuing, Mooney’s mix of grit, tactical intelligence, and calm under pressure will be vital for Australia’s ambitions.
“I enjoy the problem-solving side of it, having to adjust and adapt as the game goes on,” she said.
Whether it’s smashing records, orchestrating run chases, or quietly leading by example, Beth Mooney continues to set the standard for elite women’s cricket.
Upcoming Fixture
- Australia vs England – Women’s World Cup
Date: 22 October, 10:30 BST
Coverage: BBC Sounds, BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra, BBC Sport website and app
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