However, Australia wicketkeeper-batter Beth Mooney sought to ease concerns for fans and teammates after being forced to retire hurt during Australia’s dominant win over the Netherlands in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
Mooney scored a scintillating knock of 74 off a mere 42 deliveries before she walked off the field late in Australia’s innings as her back stiffened while running between wickets. Her leaving did cause alarm bells in the Australian camp, particularly as Litchfield — a regular second wicketkeeper — was already out of action with injury. That means opener Georgia Voll had to don the gloves for the remainder of the match.
But, post-game Mooney took to Instagram to calm fears regarding the problem and assured fans it was only minor. She said the stiffness led to her discomfort, and that she was doing fine after treatment. The battle-hardened southpaw further opined she would be fit in time for Australia’s next match in the competition.
Georgia Voll, however, looked good with the keeping gloves in a surprise role. Voll said she had minimal notice before stepping in but was glad to help fill wherever the team required. As proof of their impressive depth and adaptability she also made an early catch to send Dutch opener Phebe Molkenboer back to the pavilion.
After Australia scored 219 for 6, which equals the highest team score in a Women’s T20 World Cup, they claimed an emphatic win by 98 runs over Pakistan. Mooney’s belligerent knock helped her cross the 2500-ODI-run mark, while Ashleigh Gardner slammed a quick-fire 58 and Georgia Wareham whacked 41 as the six-time champions matched their highest-ever ODI total. Netherlands reply was 121 for 3, led by an unbeaten half-century from their own captain Babette de Leede who marked her T20 International century with this score.
Mooney was cleared to play and answered fears she would miss the tournament proper, saying only preparations for other matches will change with Australia looking to retain its Women T20 World Cup title. The encouraging news also means that the team is unlikely to make any immediate changes to its roster following the short-term injury worry.
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