Win Projections to be updated soon
Melbourne, 14 September 2025:
Tahlia McGrath says she is ready to embrace her growing leadership role as Australia aim to bounce back from last year’s World Cup semi-final exit.
The all-rounder, now vice-captain, admitted her journey from a shy squad member to a senior figure has been unexpected but rewarding.
“I was relatively new to international cricket when I played my first World Cup,” McGrath said in a virtual interview organised by Cricket Australia ahead of team’s departure to India for bilateral series and ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. “Now I’ve been on the scene for a while, and I’m really looking forward to my leadership role and helping the team — and Midge — along the way.”
Australia will play its second major tournament without former captain Meg Lanning. McGrath said the team has adapted under skipper Alyssa Healy, with several senior players contributing strategically.
“You can’t replace someone like Meg, but we’ve had time to find our own style,” she said. “Midge leads from the front, I’m vice-captain, and we’ve got Ash, Pez and others who bring leadership in their own way. We’re in a really good space.”
McGrath said an extended break at home in Adelaide left her refreshed for the seven-week India tour. “The last couple of years have been hectic,” she said. “It was important to bank time at home and get a few Australia A games. Now I feel energized and can’t wait to get over there.”
Reflecting on the disappointment of the 2024 semi-final defeat, McGrath said it has fueled Australia’s motivation. “We had a really open and vulnerable meeting back home,” she said. “Since then, we’ve tried to play more attacking, aggressive cricket. That experience has definitely lit a fire heading into this tournament.”
The 28-year-old said her calmer approach complements Healy’s passion. “Midge is the passionate one, while I’m a bit calmer and talk more to the bowlers,” McGrath said. “Naturally, with her behind the stumps and me at the bowler’s end, we complement each other.”
She acknowledged her role with the bat has shifted lower in the order. “I’m often finishing an innings, which means starting quickly and keeping momentum,” McGrath said. “I’d love more consistency, but it’s about what the team needs in the moment.”
McGrath said Australia’s depth gives them flexibility, even if it makes bowling changes challenging. “Sometimes you’ve got six choices for the next over,” she said. “But that’s a great problem to have.”
As for keeping spirits high on tour, McGrath credited Megan Schutt as the team’s DJ and Phoebe Litchfield as one of its energisers. “We’ve also got a social committee, so there’ll be plenty of fun along the way — and we never travel without our coffee machine,” she said.
