Tahlia McGrath says a fresh approach to her batting has restored her confidence as she prepares to captain Australia in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Bangladesh.
The all-rounder will lead Australia while regular captain Sophie Molineux continues her recovery from a hip injury. The series begins in Brisbane on Friday, with McGrath taking charge of a side looking to continue its dominance over Bangladesh.
New Mindset Brings Renewed Confidence
After missing out on Australia’s playing XI during the Women’s T20 World Cup earlier this year, McGrath used the break to reassess her game. Rather than concentrating on technical weaknesses, she shifted her focus toward the strengths that had previously made her successful.
The adjustment produced immediate results when she scored 154 from 137 balls for South Australia against Victoria in the opening match of the Women’s National Cricket League season. The innings was her first century in any format since September 2022.
McGrath admitted the knock came as a huge confidence boost after a difficult period.
Captaincy Opportunity Arrives
With Molineux unavailable, McGrath will captain Australia throughout the ODI series against Bangladesh. Although she serves as Australia’s co-vice-captain alongside Ashleigh Gardner when Molineux is fit, McGrath spent much of the recent T20 World Cup supporting the team from outside the playing XI.
She described that experience as different but rewarding, saying she remained involved through team meetings, training sessions and leadership responsibilities despite not featuring on the field.
Batting Role Unlikely to Change
Despite returning to form, McGrath does not expect to move higher in Australia’s batting order.
Australia’s established top order, featuring Beth Mooney, Phoebe Litchfield, Georgia Voll, Ellyse Perry and Annabel Sutherland, means McGrath is likely to continue in a finishing role around No. 7 or No. 8.
She believes the confidence gained from her domestic century will help regardless of where she bats.
Bangladesh Aiming to Challenge Australia
Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana acknowledged the challenge awaiting her side but insisted her team would approach the series positively under new coach David Hemp.
Australia and Bangladesh have not played an ODI series since April. The teams have met five times in Women’s ODIs, with Australia winning every encounter.
ODI Series Schedule
The three-match ODI series will be played at Allan Border Field in Brisbane:
- First ODI: October 9
- Second ODI: October 11
- Third ODI: October 14
All matches will be day-night fixtures.
Australia ODI Squad
Captain: Tahlia McGrath
Vice-captain: Ashleigh Gardner
Squad: Nicola Carey, Kim Garth, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll and Georgia Wareham.
Bangladesh ODI Squad
Captain: Nigar Sultana
Squad: Nahida Akter, Shorna Akter, Marufa Akter, Rabeya Khan, Ritu Moni, Sobhana Mostary, Sarmin Sultana, Sharmin Akter, Sanjida Akther, Sultana Khatun, Dilara Akter, Farzana Haque, Disha Biswas, Murshida Khatun and Habiba Islam.
Australia will then turn its attention to a three-match T20I series against New Zealand later this month, with Sophie Molineux expected to return as captain.
