Is McGrath's ODI Series Against India the Ideal Preparation for the Women’s ODI World Cup?

New Delhi, Sep 13 (NationPress) Australia’s vice-captain Tahlia McGrath emphasized that the upcoming three-match ODI series versus India, commencing on Sunday in New Chandigarh, is crucial for reacquainting with the subcontinental environment and establishing the momentum for their Women’s ODI World Cup title defense.

Having not participated in international matches since their T20I tour in New Zealand in March, and their last ODI engagement occurring during the multi-format Ashes in January, these ODIs against Harmanpreet Kaur’s team will be vital for the Australian squad to regain their rhythm and unity prior to the significant tournament.

“We always have intense contests against India and it’s been a while since we faced them. I’m particularly eager about these three ODIs since our last game together as a team was in late March,” said Tahlia.

“Although we’ve been training and playing in The Hundred, reuniting as a team in foreign conditions we are unfamiliar with will be beneficial as we adapt to the Indian conditions.”

“You couldn’t ask for a more ideal preparation for a World Cup than being in the country, playing against a top-tier team like India, and spending time together again. It’s been a while since we’ve been united as a group, so I’m excited to kick off our World Cup journey with these ODIs,” Tahlia added during a virtual interaction with IANS.

While many of her World Cup teammates participated in The Hundred, Tahlia played three one-day matches for Australia A against India A in Brisbane in August, alongside captain Alyssa Healy and pacers Darcie Brown and Kim Garth.

Having opted to forgo the UK tournament for a training stint in Adelaide, Tahlia expressed that her focus was on a rigorous fitness regimen and specialized skill work to enhance her World Cup preparation.

“The preparation has been excellent. We've undergone a significant fitness block, which hasn’t been enjoyable, but we’re in fantastic shape to handle seven weeks in India. Everyone is in prime condition. We’ve put in the effort and in terms of skills, I feel I have operated well in the middle,” she stated.

“I’ve attempted to add new tactics for the death overs or particular situations to ensure I have options for any scenario. With the bat, I’ve focused on scoring quickly at the beginning of my innings to maintain momentum,” she mentioned.

“Moving down the order means I must start my innings swiftly, especially as I often bat with a set partner. Maintaining momentum throughout the game is crucial, and I’ve been deliberate in my training towards that end,” she elaborated.

“Having time at home to work on these aspects, along with my involvement in the Australia A series, has been beneficial. I’m eager to transition from training to gameplay in India and don the Aussie shirt again,” she concluded.

Since her recall to the ODI team in 2021, Tahlia has mainly batted in the number five position. However, the start of the 2024/25 season saw her move to number seven, with Annabel Sutherland and Ashleigh Gardner batting ahead of her.

Tahlia expressed that she has embraced the challenges of her new role in the batting order, as seen in her unbeaten 20 runs off 12 balls during Australia’s record 371/8 against India in Brisbane last year, or her 55 runs off 45 balls in the third Ashes ODI in Hobart, helping Australia recover from a shaky 154/5 to a winning 308/8.

“Our team has so many talented batters, making it challenging to fit everyone in. Some players have moved up the order, and I’ve eagerly accepted those opportunities. My shift to number seven presents a unique role,” she stated.

“For me, it’s about performing to the best of my ability and contributing effectively to the team. Often, this entails scoring rapidly when there’s less time to start my innings and sustaining the momentum, which is vital for my role and the team’s success,” she concluded.