According to ESPN Cricinfo, Australian vice-captain Tahlia McGrath revealed she’s experiencing the most challenging period of her cricket career. Moreover, the 30-year-old allrounder admitted underperforming during the 2025 Women’s World Cup, where Australia crashed out in the semi-finals against eventual champions India.
World Cup Disappointment
McGrath struggled significantly during the tournament held in India. Specifically, batting at No.7, she scored only 69 runs at an average of 13.75 across eight matches. Furthermore, she went wicketless from just two bowling innings, contributing little with ball in hand.
“Cricket’s a pretty brutal game, and it’s very much based around confidence,” McGrath explained. “When it’s not going your way, the world gets pretty big on you. I definitely underperformed and felt the pressure a bit.”
WBBL Struggles Continue
Subsequently, her difficulties continued in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). As Adelaide Strikers captain, McGrath managed only 98 runs in nine innings as her team finished sixth, missing the finals.
Interestingly, she admitted mixed feelings during this period. “As much as I was doing everything possible to get us playing some finals cricket, I was hanging out for a bit of a break,” she revealed.
Recent Performance Summary:
| Tournament | Runs | Average | Wickets | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| World Cup 2025 | 69 | 13.75 | 0 | Semi-final loss |
| WBBL 2025 | 98 | 10.89 | – | 6th place finish |
Big Money Decision: Skipping WPL
In a significant move, McGrath opted against registering for the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in India scheduled for January. Previously, she featured in all three WPL seasons for UP Warriorz.
“There’s so much cricket on the calendar,” McGrath explained. “The stage I’m at in my career, it’s picking and choosing which tours I go on and probably prioritising international cricket and spending a bit of time at home.”
Consequently, this decision allows her a rare extended period with South Australia before the crucial India series.
Mental Break and Recovery Plan
After the WBBL ended, McGrath hasn’t picked up a bat for two weeks. “There’s not much point in me picking up a bat. I wouldn’t achieve much,” she said candidly.
Instead, her recovery strategy includes:
- Walking along the beach
- Playing golf
- Spending time with friends and family
- Complete distance from cricket
- Refreshing mentally before Christmas training
Additionally, McGrath started practicing yoga to manage the mental pressure, helping her understand that ups and downs are natural in sport.
Future Plans: South Australia Focus
McGrath returns to South Australia, where she’ll play six matches before Australia’s first T20I against India on February 15. Notably, she’s only featured four times for SA in the past four seasons due to national commitments.
“Exactly what I need right now is just to get out, play for South Australia, hopefully spend some time in the middle, hopefully some overs under my belt,” she stated.
Captaincy Consideration
Despite her struggles, McGrath remains one of two main candidates (alongside Ashleigh Gardner) to replace Alyssa Healy as captain when she retires. However, she’s deputized for Healy 15 times since 2022, gaining valuable leadership experience.
Upcoming Challenges
Australia faces a packed schedule ahead. The India series starts in February, followed immediately by a Caribbean tour against West Indies in March. Subsequently, the T20 World Cup in England begins on June 13.
According to ESPN Cricinfo, McGrath’s honest assessment of her form struggles demonstrates the mental pressures elite athletes face. Moreover, her decision to prioritize rest and domestic cricket over lucrative tournaments shows maturity in managing a long career.
