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Mooney open to proving a point

After a below par effort in her first knock when elevated up the order, Beth Mooney is determined to make a case for a permanent spot in today's final ODI

Australia batter Beth Mooney is hoping make a spot at the top of the order her own in Tuesday's fifth and final one-day international against South Africa in Coffs Harbour.

Mooney was promoted to opener for the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars' fourth ODI on Sunday on the back of good domestic form, but didn't quite manage the impact she was after, dismissed for a 24-ball 14.

Image Id: 6E5F24ACD4684E35847159D75986CC75 Image Caption: Bolton and Mooney stride out for Australia // Getty


However, the Queenslander feels her game is perfectly suited to complement opening partner Nicole Bolton and plans to prove that at Coffs International Stadium on Tuesday.

"I was pretty disappointed (on Sunday)," Mooney said before Southern Stars training on Monday. "I finally got a go up there and I'm keen to nail that spot.

"I was disappointed not to build a big partnership with Nicole Bolton, so hopefully if I get another go, it's something that Nicole and I can look forward to doing."

Mooney had been a regular face in Australian squads as a reserve wicketkeeper to Alyssa Healy before her outstanding form last summer made an irresistible case for an international debut with the bat alone.

She was left out of the Australian XI for the first two ODIs in Canberra, returning to Women's National Cricket League duties for Queensland where she scored 146 off 144 deliveries.

That innings, combined with an injury to Ellyse Perry, opened up a spot for her in the third ODI in Sydney.

Listed to come in at No.4, Mooney wasn't given the chance to bat on that occasion as Australia romped to a nine-wicket win, but having now been promoted, she's eager to prove that's where she belongs.

"I think I'm probably more of an accumulating runs sort of batter.

"If I'm down the order I'm not one of those players like Grace Harris and Alyssa Healy who can clear the boundary.

"I'm more suited to opening, my technique is suited to it and I can't muscle it like those girls."

Fourth ODI ends in dramatic tie

The Southern Stars and South Africa played out a thrilling final-ball tie on Sunday and Mooney said the disappointment of walking away without a win would drive Australia on Tuesday.

"I think we're really keen to nail the perfect game," Mooney said.

"Anything can happen in a game of cricket, as we saw (Sunday), but I think everyone is keen to a play role and do everything they can to get a big win on the board.

"I think everyone's raring to go for tomorrow's game, it's the last one in the series and everyone is out to prove a point."

Bolton, Perry fire Stars to 242 in Coffs

Australia will play South Africa in the fifth and final ODI in Coffs Harbour on Tuesday at 2.20pm AEDT.

Following that match, the Southern Stars will switch their attention to the 20-over game, as they meet up with their Rebel Women's Big Bash League clubs to prepare for the season start on December 10.

Australia will next be in action in the Women's T20 International series against New Zealand in mid-February, ahead of a return trip across the Tasman to play a series of 50-over matches.

Entry to the final ODI at Coffs International Stadium is FREE and the match can be streamed live and free on cricket.com.au.

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