Is Aus A Games the Perfect Preparation for the World Cup? Tahlia McGrath Explains
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Synopsis
Tahlia McGrath, Australia's vice-captain, outlines her decision to skip The Hundred, emphasizing her belief that playing with Australia A against India A will be the ultimate prep for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup starting September 30. Discover her insights on the significance of this preparatory phase.
Key Takeaways
- Tahlia McGrath emphasizes the importance of preparation.
- Playing against India A is viewed as ideal for World Cup readiness.
- The team faces a challenging travel schedule ahead.
- Australia women’s last series was in March.
- Upcoming matches will set the tone for the World Cup.
New Delhi, Aug 12 (NationPress) Australia's vice-captain Tahlia McGrath elaborated on her decision to opt out of this year’s The Hundred, stating that competing with Australia A in Brisbane against India A this week will serve as optimal preparation for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in India, commencing on September 30.
While most of Australia’s potential World Cup squad are currently participating in the ECB’s 100-ball tournament, McGrath is among five CA-contracted players included in the 50-over lineup to face India A in three ODIs, alongside captain Alyssa Healy, allrounder Tess Flintoff, and fast bowlers Darcie Brown and Kim Garth, taking place from August 13 to 17.
"It’s the longest break I’ve had in years, so it was refreshing to take a step back and reset. It’s been a great opportunity to work on some areas, spend time in Brisbane with the team during camps, and wrap up the preseason with some Australia A matches, which I consider the perfect preparation leading into the World Cup. I’m still at home, able to trial a few strategies, and it's in the fifty-over format as well," McGrath shared with cricket.com.au.
The Australia women’s team faced a lengthy winter break, with their last series being a three-game T20I tour of New Zealand in March, where McGrath stepped up as the leader in the absence of regular captain Alyssa Healy.
They now face a challenging travel itinerary over the next nine months. Australia’s first World Cup match is just 50 days away, and the team will spend approximately seven weeks in India, starting with a three-match ODI series before the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. If they reach the final, players will only have a four-day break before the Women’s Big Bash League kicks off on November 9.
McGrath is also anticipated to return to India in January for the Women’s Premier League, followed by consecutive multi-format series—first against India at home, then against the West Indies away.
About six weeks after concluding the Caribbean tour, Australia’s T20 World Cup campaign will commence in England.
Point of View
Tahlia McGrath's strategic choice to prioritize Australia A matches over The Hundred highlights a commendable commitment to team preparation. As the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup approaches, her insights into the importance of localized training resonate with national interests and lay the groundwork for potential success on the world stage.
NationPress
08/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Tahlia McGrath skip The Hundred?
Tahlia McGrath opted out of The Hundred to focus on preparing for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup, believing that playing for Australia A against India A would be more beneficial.
What is the significance of the Australia A matches?
The Australia A matches serve as critical preparation for the players ahead of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup, allowing them to refine their skills in a competitive environment.
When does the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup start?
The ICC Women's Cricket World Cup is set to begin on September 30.
How long will Australia be in India for the World Cup?
Australia is expected to spend around seven weeks in India, starting with a three-match ODI series before the World Cup.
What are McGrath's future plans after the World Cup?
After the World Cup, McGrath is anticipated to return to India for the Women's Premier League and then compete in series against India and the West Indies.
