• Australian batting giant Beth Mooney revealed her choice for the greatest wicketkeeper of all-time.

  • Mooney is currently part of Gujarat Giants in the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025.

Not MS Dhoni! Beth Mooney picks the greatest wicket keeper of all-time
MS Dhoni and Beth Mooney (Image Source: X)

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Cricket has long been a batter’s and bowler’s game, but the role of a wicket-keeper is just as crucial in shaping the outcome of a match. Standing behind the stumps, a wicket-keeper not only has the responsibility of collecting deliveries, effecting stumpings, and grabbing sharp catches, but also plays a vital role in keeping the fielding side energized. Agility, sharp reflexes, and an unmatched presence of mind are the hallmarks of a great wicket-keeper.

Over the years, legendary names like MS Dhoni, Adam Gilchrist, Sarah Taylor, and Alyssa Healy have redefined the art of wicket-keeping with their skill and impact on the game. These players have set new benchmarks, with their dismissals tally reaching close to 1000 across formats. Their ability to turn matches with lightning-fast stumpings, acrobatic catches, and strategic game awareness has made them some of the finest glovemen in cricketing history.

Australia’s Beth Mooney names the best wicket keeper of all-time

Australian batting giant Beth Mooney, currently part of Gujarat Giants in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025, recently participated in an exciting “This or That” Wicket-Keeper Challenge. The video, uploaded on Gujarat Giants’ social media accounts, featured Mooney choosing between some of the greatest wicket-keepers in cricket history, leading to an intriguing final winner.

Sarah Taylor over Alyssa Healy and Ian Healy

The challenge began with a tough choice as Mooney had to pick between England’s former wicket keeping great Sarah Taylor and her own country’s current captain and wicket-keeper, Alyssa Healy. Surprisingly, Mooney ditched her Australian compatriot and went with Sarah Taylor, recognizing her exceptional glove work and skill behind the stumps. Taylor continued her dominance as she was then placed against former Australian wicket-keeping giant Ian Healy. Once again, Mooney stuck with Taylor, further cementing her admiration for the England wicket-keeping legend.

Mark Boucher breaks Taylor’s streak

However, when Taylor was pitted against South African wicket-keeping icon Mark Boucher, Mooney switched her pick, favoring Boucher for his record-breaking dismissals and longevity in international cricket. The Proteas legend was a dominant force behind the stumps, holding the record for the most dismissals in Test cricket history.

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Adam Gilchrist reigns supreme until MS Dhoni appears

Boucher’s reign didn’t last long as he faced former Australian wicket-keeping legend Adam Gilchrist. Mooney picked Gilchrist, recognizing his ability to revolutionize the role of a wicket-keeper batter with his aggressive stroke play and match-winning performances.

Gilchrist continued his winning streak, defeating notable names like Australia’s Tim Paine, England’s Alex Stewart, South Africa’s former women’s keeper Trisha Chetty, and India’s women’s wicket-keeper Tania Bhatia. However, his dominance came to an end when Mooney had to choose between Gilchrist and Indian legend MS Dhoni. Mooney opted for Dhoni, acknowledging his unparalleled match awareness, lightning-fast stumpings, and ability to finish games under pressure.

The ultimate winner

Despite Dhoni’s legendary status, he met his match when he was placed against Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara. Mooney ultimately picked Sangakkara, making him the final winner of the challenge.

In the last round, Sangakkara was put against Mooney herself, but instead of choosing between them, Mooney humorously ignored herself, letting Sangakkara stand as the ultimate winner of the “This or That,” challenge.

Through this challenge, Mooney’s admiration for wicket-keeping greats became evident. While Taylor initially dominated, it was Sangakkara who eventually reigned supreme in her eyes. The former Sri Lankan captain, widely regarded as one of the greatest batters and wicket-keepers in history, earned Mooney’s top spot, surpassing legends like Dhoni, Gilchrist, Boucher and Taylor.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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About the Author:
AMAR PAL SINGH BHALLA
Amar is a sports enthusiast and a talented writer who has found the perfect career that combines his two passions. As a valuable member of Cricket Times, Amar brings his passion for cricket and his talent for writing to the fore, providing readers with insightful and engaging content. Cricket lives rent-free in his mind. A person who views cricket as a metaphor for life. You can connect with Amar at amar.bhalla@crickettimes.com and also follow him on LinkedIn.