Day 94: The fantastic four

 

After defeat in the 2017 World Cup semi-final, there was some deep thinking in the Australian women's camp. It was clear that while they had world-class players at their disposal, there was still something not right about the team's balance.

With the Women's Big Bash League in its early stages, there were some signs that the depth in which Australia would start to dominate the ODI format in the last few years. That they have gone on to break the record of consecutive wins are testament to the set-up and captaincy of Meg Lanning and the coaching of Matthew Mott.

Four players have played in all 22 games of Australia's unbeaten run they are.

Alyssa Healy

Healy has been one of the top keepers in the game for a while now. With her aggressive batting at the top of the order, she allows her side to make consistent starts. Before the 2017 Ashes, she said she would "bring the bitch back." Part of the fall out from the World Cup earlier that year was that Australia was getting too soft as a team.

Rachael Haynes

At the 2017 World Cup, Haynes only made the team when Lanning was injured and found herself in the side as replacement captain. Since then, Haynes has been part of the side with merit. A reliable middle-order batter and fantastic fielder, Haynes is irreplaceable.

Ash Gardner

A big-hitting all-rounder Gardner is the type of player that every side in the world wants. She hits the ball a long way and can be destructive on her day; add in her spin bowling, and you have a player for every occasion.

Given how often she has suffered from concussions, it is remarkable she has played a part in every game of this run.

Beth Mooney

Mooney is a player that has taken the game away from you without you realising. A consistent and unfussy player who plays fantastic cricket shots. Mooney is also an excellent wicketkeeper, and if not for Healy being in the side would have been behind the stumps.