‘Relieved’ McGrath goes back to basics ahead of captaincy return

Tahlia McGrath is embracing a back-to-basics approach as she prepares to captain Australia in a three-match ODI series against Bangladesh in Brisbane. McGrath steps in to lead the side while regular captain Sophie Molineux recovers from a hip injury. The allrounder had spent time out of Australia's playing XI during the T20 World Cup, prompting her to adjust her mindset and focus on her core strengths ahead of the upcoming summer.

The tactical shift has already shown results, with McGrath scoring 154 runs off 137 balls for South Australia against Victoria last week, marking her first century across formats since September 2022. Despite primarily occupying a finishing role lower down the Australian batting order, the 30-year-old expects to carry her confident domestic form into the series starting Friday at Allan Border Field.