Australian duo hope to enable Diamonds to prosper
YORKSHIRE DIAMONDS’ Beth Mooney may be the ICC’s current Women’s T20 Player of the Year – but she insists she still has plenty of improving to do.
The 24-year-old clearly has a bright future ahead of her, thanks in part to a memorable 18 months at international and domestic level.
In the ICC awards voting period from September 2016 to late last year, Mooney scored 255 runs from seven T20 internationals, including scores of 117 not out and 86 in the Women’s Ashes in November.
She also scooped the ICC’s Emerging Player award having made a strong contribution in ODIs, scoring 492 runs in 14 games.
Earlier this year, she was also the fourth highest run-scorer in the Big Bash Down Under, scoring 465 as an opener for Brisbane Heat.
It means she went into her second Kia Super League campaign at the weekend brimming with confidence.
And although she was run out for three in a seven-wicket defeat for the Diamonds to defending champions Western Storm at Taunton, Mooney is still hoping to enhance her upward trajectory in a White Rose shirt, which she first wore back in 2016.
“I’m probably in a position where I’m more comfortable and confident with my T20 game,” said Mooney.
“The last 18 months has been really exciting to get the opportunities and make the most of them.
“Hopefully, I can transfer that into the Super League with the Diamonds and learn a few more things.
“The Big Bash has been massive for me. It’s a competition which is really good for young players to play with and against some of the best players in the world and see how they go about their business.
“These kind of competitions help us develop our games really quickly, and I’ve still got a way to go.”
Mooney is one of two Australian overseas players in the Diamonds’ squad and it was her compatriot – all-rounder Delissa Kimmince – who shone more brightly in the opening day defeat for Lauren Winfield’s team.
Kimmince, 29, has had something of a stop-start career after making her debut for Australia back in 2008, since which she has only played 27 internationals, while Mooney – five years her junior – has played 42 times across all forms since debuting in 2016.
Kimmince was the Diamonds’ standout batter on Sunday with 55 not out, although she conceded 38 in two overs with the ball in a seven-wicket defeat.
“My career’s been a bit like a rollercoaster – I’ve been in and out of the Australian environment,” said Kimmince, who played for Warwickshire women back in 2011.
“I was in there when I was 18 and out again. I got injured and lost my contract, but I’ve just regained that contract.
“The Diamonds was an opportunity I couldn’t let go.
“They may only come once in a lifetime.
“I’ve just got to a stage where I understand my game more and where I fit in the team. Whilst I’m still kind of new to the international arena – I haven’t played many games – I feel pretty confident.
“I also want to help the younger girls here.
“If I can help with regards to my experiences, that would be great.”