BETH MOONEY, the ICC’s current Women’s T20 Player of the Year, insists she still has improving to do - starting with this week's Roses battle.

The Yorkshire Diamonds' overseas Australian wicketkeeper-bat has enjoyed 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.

The 24-year-old also scooped the ICC’s Emerging Player award having made a strong contribution in one-day internationals, scoring 492 runs in 14 games.

Earlier this year, she was also the fourth highest run-scorer in the Big Bash down under with 465 as an opener for Brisbane Heat.

It means she started her second Kia Super League campaign at the weekend brimming with confidence, but hoping to enhance her upward trajectory in a White Rose shirt, which she wore back in 2016.

“I’m probably in a position where I’m more comfortable and confident with my T20 game,” said the Diamonds opener, who was run out for three in Sunday’s defeat to Western Storm.

“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, confident of success with the Diamonds this summer, is one of two Australian overseas players in their squad - all-rounder Delissa Kimmince the other.

She said: “Beth’s developed to be playing 360 around the ground. As a bowler, I know it’s so difficult to bowl to when you have a batter doing that.

“It’s a credit to her because she works so hard.”

Kimmince was the Diamonds' standout batter on Sunday with 55 not out from number five in their total of 162-5, although she conceded 38 in two overs with the ball in a seven-wicket defeat.

While she made her bow for Australia in 2008, she has only played 27 internationals since, while Mooney has appeared 42 times across all forms since debuting in 2016.

Kimmince, who played for Warwickshire women in 2011, said: “My career’s been a bit like a rollercoaster. I’ve been in and out of the Australian environment.

“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. While 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.”

Yorkshire face Lancashire at Emerald Headingley on Friday (2.30pm), and Kimmince admits she knows little about the Roses rivalry. But, being a Queenslander, she has an idea what could be in store.

“I guess it would compare to Queensland v New South Wales in the Rugby League State of Origin. That’s pretty fierce!” she added.