McGrath Aims for Strong Season Finale Against New Zealand
Australia's captain emphasized Cricket World Cup preparations, gutsy playstyle, and Mooney's milestone as the visitors prepare for three Trans-Tasman T20Is.
Tahlia McGrath, who has taken up leadership in the absence of regular captain Alyssa Healy, is excited to lead the squad alongside vice-captain Ash Gardner.
"I'm excited for the opportunity to lead the side again," McGrath told reporters before the first Twenty20 International in Auckland.
"I always enjoy working with Ash [Gardner] as vice-captain as well, and for us as a group, just excited to kick off what's been a long season for us and hopefully finish on a high with a series win over here in New Zealand."
With Australia's focus mainly on the impending ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in India later this year, the three T20Is present a unique challenge for McGrath's team. However, the skipper sees them as an opportunity to fine-tune their approach in the shortest possible time.
"This is an unusual one for us. Our attention is now on a 50-over World Cup and a short break.
"But it's also an excellent opportunity for us, as there aren't many T20s on the international schedule before the World Cup. Every time we wear the Australian shirt, it's a great opportunity to go out there and improve as a team."
Australia enters the series after sweeping England in the Women's Ashes, winning every game across all three formats.
McGrath expects a stiff challenge against a nearly full-strength New Zealand team, with T20 World Cup winners Sophie Devine, Melanie Kerr, and Lea Tahuhu returning to the squad.
"They're very much back to full strength, New Zealand. We anticipate a hard-fought battle, a large audience due to the doubleheader, and a few Australians in attendance. But we'll have to be at our best.
"They have some world-class players returning in the side, including Devine, Kerr, and Tahuhu, as well as superstars throughout the roster. We'll be at our best and looking forward to the challenge. "I can't wait to start tomorrow."
Australia has developed a reputation for playing an aggressive and fearless brand of cricket, which has resulted in global honors, and McGrath hopes to maintain this attitude.
"We're continuously talking about how we can improve. There is no end to our game. "I'm looking forward to taking on the game, playing our style, playing our brand of cricket, and, as I previously stated, finishing the season on a high note for most of us."
"Brave, brave, and aggressive. We bat so deep that we can show off our talent and play without fear, knowing that if it doesn't work out, someone is ready to walk out to the wicket and do the job. The same goes for the ball: attacking field settings, an attacking mindset, and an aggressive nature. And we're simply trying to move the game along as much as possible.
The series opener will be a significant milestone for Beth Mooney, who will play her 200th international match for Australia, and McGrath praised the wicketkeeper-batter's invaluable contribution to the team.
"A crazy milestone for Moons [Beth Mooney]. Two hundred games representing your country is a remarkable achievement.
"She is the ultimate consistent performer. She consistently gets us off to a great start with the bat. She flies under the radar a little, but she stepped up for us this year with the gloves and has done an excellent job for us there.
"She's an excellent team player who always looks out for her teammates. I'm happy to join her on the field tomorrow and commemorate such an important milestone."
With several in-form players on the team, Australia faces the daunting task of incorporating a wealth of talent into the playing XI. McGrath was particularly pleased about some of the newer players in the lineup.
"It's a blessing and a burden to have so much skill in the squad and attempt to fit it all into 11.
"I'm excited for Volly [Georgia Voll], who has demonstrated her ability at this level each time she has worn the Australian shirt. I'm so happy for Nick [Nicole Faltum], her first Australian tour; she fit in as if she'd been with the group forever.
"So much opportunity with people to play potentially some different roles and stand up at different points throughout the series."
The series itinerary includes the first T20I on March 21 at Eden Park, the second on March 23 at Bay Oval, and the third on March 26 at Wellington Regional Stadium.