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McGrath made a mere 69 runs in eight matches at an average of 13.75 in the World Cup and also captained Australia in Alyssa Healy’s absence for a couple of matches (AP Photo)
Australian vice-captain and allrounder Tahlia McGrath has admitted she underperformed at the 2025 Women’s World Cup, adding that it was ‘probably’ the toughest period of her career. The 30-year-old said that she was trying her best to ensure her WBBL side, Adelaide Strikers, got to the finals, but one part of her mind also wished for a breather from the game.
McGrath made a mere 69 runs in eight matches at an average of 13.75 in the World Cup and also captained Australia in Alyssa Healy’s absence for a couple of matches late in the group stage of the tournament. Australia couldn’t win a record-extending eighth title after a stunning defeat to eventual champions India in the semi-final.
“Cricket’s a pretty brutal game, and it’s very much based around confidence. And when it’s not going your way, the world gets pretty big on you. I definitely underperformed and felt the pressure a bit.”
“Probably (on whether it was the toughest period of her career). I think you add captaincy into that, you add time away from home, and, obviously, when you lose a World Cup, it’s pretty hard to get over as well. It’s been a challenging time.
“As much as I was doing everything possible to get us playing some finals cricket [in the WBBL], I was hanging out for a bit of a break,” McGrath said.
The allrounder opted against playing in the Women’s Premier League in India in January, and once the Strikers were out of contention for a WBBL finals spot, decided against picking up a bat.
“It’s properly distancing myself at the moment. There’s not much point in me picking up a bat.”
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“I wouldn’t achieve much. So, it’s get away from the game, go for walks along the beach, play a bit of golf, see some friends and family. And just refresh, get that energy back and put in the work after Christmas,” she said.
English (US) ·