South Australian star Tahlia McGrath says there is plenty of excitement and hunger within the Australian group ahead of this year’s ICC T20 Women’s Cricket World Cup in the United Kingdom.
McGrath and fellow South Australian Megan Schutt were both named in Australia’s squad for the tournament, with the team departing for the UK this week.
Tahlia McGrath on being selected in Australia’s World Cup squad:
"World Cup squads are the ones you want to be a part of, so really excited to head over to the UK on Tuesday. We get our final prep here in beautiful Adelaide, but really excited."
"It’s a huge World Cup. We’ve lost the last two in the semi-finals, so the hunger’s definitely there and just can’t wait to get over there, really."
Tahlia McGrath on her leadership role with Australia:
"Yeah, huge honour. I’m loving Soph’s [Sophie Molineux] new leadership. I’m loving helping her out with Ash [Ashleigh Gardner] as well."
"Just wherever I can to be able to help out the team in a leadership role, a leadership capacity, I’m really enjoying at the moment."
"World Cups are really special, but to have a leadership title next to my name, I’m pretty proud of that."
Tahlia McGrath on Megan Schutt’s impact:
"Shooter’s a very special talent. Her records in World Cups are phenomenal. She takes wickets for fun and the English conditions really suit her."
"I reckon she’s in for a really big World Cup and she’s got that fire in her belly, as always. Super competitor. Can’t wait to jump on the plane with her."
Tahlia McGrath on facing Strikers teammate Laura Wolvaardt:
"There’s definitely a little bit extra coming up against my mate. They knocked us out of the last T20 semi-final, so there’s a little bit extra there. And like I said, it’s always good friendly rivalry and bragging rights for us as well."
The tenth edition of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup starts on June 13 in England and Wales.
Australia's Group 1 fixtures
June 13: v South Africa, Old Trafford, Manchester, 11:00pm ACST
June 17: v Bangladesh, Headingly, Leeds, 7:00pm ACST
June 20: v Netherlands, Rose Bowl, Hampshire, 7:00pm ACST
June 24: v Pakistan, Headingley, Leeds, 3:00am ACST
June 28: v India, Lord's, London, 11:00pm ACST
Semi-final 1: The Oval, London, June 30, 11:00pm ACST
Semi-final 2: The Oval, London, July 2 (3:00am July 3 ACST)
Final: Lord's, London, July 5, 11:00pm ACST
All matches will be broadcast on Amazon's Prime Video.