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Finisher McGrath enjoying Aussie return

3 minute read

After forcing her way back into the Australian team, allrounder Tahlia McGrath has quickly proven her value as a short-format finisher against India.

TAHLIA MCGRATH of Australia.
TAHLIA MCGRATH of Australia. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

For the second time in the multi-format series against India, Australian allrounder Tahlia McGrath has played a massive role in winning a vital match for her country.

McGrath scored an unbeaten 42 in Saturday's second Twenty20 international on the Gold Coast as Australia held their nerve to score a series-clinching six wicket victory.

The 25-year-old's finishing abilities are increasingly proving priceless to Australia after she scored 74 in a crucial partnership with Beth Mooney in the second one-day international win over the Indians in Mackay last month.

Unlike that game however, McGrath was able to stay on the field until the end on Saturday, scoring the winning run with the first ball of the final over.

"I was definitely disappointed when I got out in that second ODI and not to be there at the end and that's something we speak a lot about in this side ... that the set batter has got to be there not out at the end," McGrath said.

"It's a pretty big non-negotiable in our team and when you're in and set, you've got to stick your hand up and be there at the end, so that was really important for me.

"I didn't want to leave the job undone, so very happy with how it played out."

That ODI was just McGrath's seventh for Australia while Saturday's game was her second T20 appearance after debuting in the washed-out clash on Thursday.

Having made her international debut way back in 2016, back issues have hampered McGrath's ability to become a consistent feature in the national team set-up.

With scores of 74, 47, 28 and now a match-winning unbeaten 42 under her belt in this series, the South Australian is hopeful this is just the start of a long run in Australian colours.

"It's pretty hard getting a taste of international cricket and then being on the outer for a while," McGrath said.

"Getting that initial taste made me that hungry to get back to the biggest stage.

"The Aussie team is the best side in the world so it's a very hard side to crack into and I knew that once I got my chance I'd have to take it with both hands.

"Loving how it's going at the moment and loving being part of the team."

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