The Gujarat Giants Women’s cricket team faced a major setback during the third match of the inaugural season of Women’s Premier League against UP Warriorz Women.
Their captain, Beth Mooney, was missing from the game due to a knee injury which she had sustained while running between the wickets in the previous match played at the same venue. The absence of Mooney, who is also a wicket-keeper and opening batter, has forced Giants to tinker with their combinations to a large extent.
Changes in the playing XI
To compensate for the absence of Beth Mooney, Gujarat Giants Women’s team management made three changes to their playing XI for the match against UP Warriorz Women. Batter Sophia Dunkley, wicket-keeper batter Sushma Verma, and all-rounder Kim Garth were included in the squad in place of regular captain Beth Mooney, spinner Georgia Wareham, and pacer Monica Patel.
Impact on the team
The absence of Beth Mooney had a significant impact on the Giants team, who were already reeling from an embarrassing 143-run loss in their previous match against the Mumbai Indians Women’s team.
Mooney’s absence meant that the team had to tinker with their combinations, and Sneh Rana had to fill in as the stand-in captain for the match against UP Warriorz Women.
Speaking to Sports18 at the toss, Sneh Rana said, “We are waiting for an update on [Beth] Mooney’s injury from the physio.” Mooney had retired hurt in the previous match without scoring a run across three deliveries, and her injury status was uncertain at the time of the match against UP Warriorz Women.
Warriorz with overseas players
On the other hand, UP Warriorz Women’s team was making their debut in the Women’s Premier League and had picked overseas players in Australian all-rounders Tahlia McGrath and Grace Harris and English spinner Sophie Ecclestone, in addition to their captain Alyssa Healy.
The absence of Beth Mooney due to a knee injury was a significant blow to the Gujarat Giants Women’s team, who were already struggling in the tournament. Mooney’s absence meant that the team had to make changes to their playing XI and the combination of the team. The Giants management and fans are eagerly waiting for updates on Mooney’s injury status and hope for her speedy recovery.
