Australia all-rounder Tahlia McGrath sees India as a special place, especially given her leadership role during the T20I series in Mumbai last year. She assumed the interim vice-captaincy and even captained Australia in the final game due to Alyssa Healy’s injury. This leadership stint followed Meg Lanning’s temporary withdrawal for personal reasons after Australia’s Commonwealth Games triumph. Ahead of the much-awaited IND W vs AUS W starting from 21st December, McGrath opens up on the challenges in Test cricket and leadership roles.
Now, a year later, McGrath is back in India, firmly established as vice-captain alongside Healy, who is the full-time captain after Lanning’s retirement. McGrath’s connection with India deepened when she was picked by UP Warriorz for INR 1.4 crore in the inaugural WPL auction this year, surpassing Healy’s INR 70 lakh bid.
Tahlia McGrath all set to lead Australia to glory in IND W vs AUS W alongside Alyssa Healy:
In 2020, Cricket Australia, in collaboration with the Australian Cricketers Association and Belinda Clark’s project, initiated a leadership pilot program. McGrath, recognized for her leadership potential, participated in the program, which significantly impacted her trajectory. Although initially shy, McGrath’s mentorship with Clark transformed her into a confident leader.
Reflecting on her evolution during a Press conference, McGrath stated, “If you had asked me a few years ago if leadership was on my radar, it was not even close. I was the shy, quiet one that didn’t really have too much to say. A few coaches saw some qualities in myself that I perhaps didn’t. From there, I got a few opportunities to lead sides. I was really lucky to have a mentor program with Belinda Clark and got so much out of that. How my leadership has come along in the last two years is rapid progression.”
‘Test match takes a lot out of you’ says McGrath:
With the upcoming Test at Wankhede Stadium, McGrath shared her excitement about playing Test cricket. She emphasized the mental and physical toll it takes, citing her experience at Trent Bridge earlier this year. Despite the challenges, she expressed enthusiasm for the format and the team’s preparations.
Recently leading Strikers to their second consecutive WBBL title, McGrath described the transition to Test cricket as a welcome change, allowing for a more composed approach. She acknowledged the grind of Test cricket, emphasizing the rarity of these matches for the team.
“I have loved the transition. T20 cricket is so hectic; when you are batting, you are trying to hit every ball for six, when you are bowling, they are trying to hit you for six every ball,” she said of adjusting to preparing for the Test in the Mumbai heat. “This has been very nice, just to take a step back, be really calm in our approach and always get down to work. It is a grind out there batting, and the bowlers have to put in the hard yards. A complete shift in mindset and preparation. Test matches don’t come around too often for us. We have been so excited to play them.”
McGrath played a pivotal role in Australia’s Test victory at Trent Bridge earlier this year, contributing with both bat and ball. She achieved her second half-century in the format, scoring 61 runs off 83 balls in the first innings—her best Test score. On the bowling front, McGrath claimed three wickets in the first innings and one in the second, showcasing her all-round prowess in the match.
“Test match takes a lot out of you,” she said. “At Trent Bridge, I have never been so mentally and physically drained after that Test match. It takes everything out of you. It is such a pinnacle and a test mentally and physically. The preparations been the same – batting for long periods of time, getting in rhythm and bowling longer spells. Having more specific fielding training, so we have people under the lid, and in catching positions.”
A ‘calm’ McGrath eyes win in IND W vs AUS W:
McGrath made her captaincy debut in an ODI against Ireland after the Women’s Ashes. She even led Adelaide Strikers to WBBL finals in 2021, 2022, and 2023, winning the title twice in the last two seasons. Just a few weeks ago, McGrath successfully captained the Strikers to their second consecutive WBBL title, fending off a challenge from the Jonassen-led Brisbane Heat.
During the season, McGrath showcased her outstanding all-round performance, amassing a total of 304 runs at a striking rate exceeding 120. Additionally, she made a significant impact with her medium-paced bowling, taking an impressive tally of 14 wickets.
Describing her leadership style, McGrath said, “What I offer as a leader is a really calm person. No matter what the situation is, I keep a pretty calm head and a pretty good read of the game. I am a relationships person—getting around and connecting with different people in the group and making sure everyone’s connected and making sure we are all tracking alright.”
In addition to McGrath and Healy, Australia’s squad boasts experienced leaders such as Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Beth Mooney, Jess Jonassen, and Annabel Sutherland. McGrath highlighted the team’s strength, noting that leadership is not solely entrusted to her and Healy, as there are multiple leaders within the group.
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