Australian cricket star Tahlia McGrath has candidly addressed her difficult run of form during the recent ICC Women's Cricket World Cup, describing it as one of the most challenging periods of her professional career. The 30-year-old all-rounder and national vice-captain opened up about the mental toll of underperformance and her subsequent decision to take a complete break from the game.
A World Cup to Forget: Runs Dry Up Under Pressure
McGrath's contributions with the bat were minimal during Australia's campaign in the 2025 Women's World Cup. In a stark admission, she revealed she scored only 69 runs across eight matches, resulting in a disappointing average of 13.75. Her struggles were compounded by added responsibility, as she stepped in to captain the side for a couple of group-stage matches in the absence of regular skipper Alyssa Healy.
"Cricket is a pretty brutal game, and it's very much based around confidence. And when it's not going your way, the world gets pretty big on you," McGrath stated. "I definitely underperformed and felt the pressure a bit." Australia's quest for a record-extending eighth title ended in the semi-finals with a stunning defeat to eventual champions India.
Captaincy, Fatigue, and the Mental Battle
When asked if this was the toughest phase of her career, McGrath responded affirmatively. She pointed to a combination of factors that weighed heavily on her. "Probably. I think you add captaincy into that, you add time away from home, and, obviously, when you lose a World Cup, it's pretty hard to get over as well. It's been a challenging time," she explained.
This mental fatigue carried over into the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL), where she plays for the Adelaide Strikers. McGrath confessed that while she was trying her utmost to help her franchise reach the finals, a part of her was yearning for respite. "As much as I was doing everything possible to get us playing some finals cricket, I was hanging out for a bit of a break," she said.
Conscious Unplugging: Why the Bat Was Left Alone
Following the Strikers' elimination from WBBL finals contention, McGrath made a conscious decision to step away completely. She had already opted out of the Women's Premier League in India scheduled for January. Her approach to recovery was clear: total distance from cricket.
"It's properly distancing myself at the moment. There's not much point in me picking up a bat," McGrath asserted. "I wouldn't achieve much. So, it's get away from the game, go for walks along the beach, play a bit of golf, see some friends and family. And just refresh, get that energy back and put in the work after Christmas."
This period of rest and mental reset is seen as crucial for the seasoned all-rounder as she aims to return to her best form for the demanding international calendar ahead, with Australian cricket fans hoping to see her back to her dominant self.
