Cricket 2022: Tahlia McGrath set to be biggest target of new Women’s Indian Premier League

She’s the number one T20 batter in the world and now Tahlia McGrath has set her sights on the riches available in the inaugural women’s Indian Premier League.

SUMMER OF CRICKET PORTRAITS. Speak to Tim Morrissey or Ben Horne for usage. SEPTEMBER 13, 2022. Pictured at the Sydney Cricket Ground today is Tahlia McGrath for Summer of Cricket Liftout scheduled for November. Picture: Tim Hunter.

Playing in Indian stadiums full of frenzied fans has Tahlia McGrath adamant she wants to be a part of the inaugural Women’s IPL next year.

For now though, the recently installed world no.1 T20 batter remains a public enemy on the subcontinent as Australia attempts to wrap up its five-match T20 series against India in Mumbai in the wee hours of Sunday morning.

The Aussies lead the series 2-1 after bouncing back from their first loss in any format in 2022 - a super over loss in game two that came despite McGrath (70no off 51 balls) and Beth Mooney (82no off 54) producing Australia’s highest T20 international partnership of 158 - to win game three in a canter.

They can wrap up the series with victory in the fourth match on Sunday (AEDT) and McGrath said no quarter would be given, with Australia intent on regaining its aura of invincibility.

“We’re hoping to wrap it up in game four and then another win in game five,” Aussie vice-captain McGrath said.

“From our point of view, we’re just looking to play that brand of cricket that has been so successful with us and we’re also having a small look forward at the World Cup and really priming and prepping ourselves for that.

“And I don’t think there’s any better preparation than a tour in India, against India, who are probably our fiercest opponents at the moment.

“(India) have become a real powerhouse in women’s cricket and I feel as though every game we’ve played against them in the last two or so years has gone down to the last over and we bring out our best cricket against each other as well.”

Tahlia McGrath in action for Australia against India.

Playing in the cricket-mad nation has been a buzz for the Aussies, who have turned out in front of crowds of more than 40,000 fans, whose passionate support for the home team has made it hard to even hear on the grounds at some times.

“I think that’s been the most exciting thing for us is the crowds, the atmosphere,” McGrath said.

“They’re the most passionate and loud supporters I’ve come across and there were a couple of times, especially in that super-over game where we were just looking around at each other like: ‘how cool is this’.”

That atmosphere has given McGrath an indication of what the inaugural Women’s IPL - slated for next March - might be like and she wants in.

Having just been named the world’s best T20 batter, the Adelaide Strikers all-rounder, who only made her T20 international debut just over a year ago. is likely to be in massive demand by all franchises.

McGrath is ranked the No.1 T20 batter in world cricket.

But it’s not that long ago she was told the short form of the game was her weakness.

“I remember a distinct moment where I was told that the T20 aspect of my game was probably the weakness - I needed to up my run rate and add some more shots to my game,” McGrath said.

“I’m the type of person that if someone gives me feedback like that, I’m like right, that’s what I’m going to do.

“It’s been really cool to see how far my game’s come in such a short amount of time.

“I think why I’ve had so much success is because we’ve got such a strong team that I can go out there and bat with the freedom to know that if I don’t come off, someone else will.”

While franchise cricket - hopefully in a breakthrough WIPL - is a dream, McGrath’s priority now is to lead Australia to success.

“Playing for Australia is always my priority so when I’m in that Aussie shirt, that’s all I’m focused on.

“They’re intense games of cricket over here in India, so I’m excited for the next two games and it should be a couple of good ones.”

Originally published as Cricket 2022: Tahlia McGrath set to be biggest target of new Women’s Indian Premier League