Vice-captain credits team balance and resilience for Australia’s unbeaten World Cup run
Australia’s vice-captain Tahlia McGrath has lauded her team’s remarkable depth and composure as the defending champions gear up for their final group-stage clash against South Africa in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.
With six wins from six matches, Australia remain the only unbeaten side in the tournament — a testament, McGrath says, to their ability to thrive under pressure through collective contributions rather than individual heroics.
“Different Players Keep Stepping Up”
Reflecting on the team’s consistent performances, McGrath highlighted how every match has seen new players rise to the occasion.
“We always talk about our depth as a group — it’s one of our biggest strengths,” she said. “Ash (Gardner) has two hundreds, Midge (Alyssa Healy) has two, and Moons (Beth Mooney) produced that massive ton against Pakistan. It’s someone different every time, and that’s what makes us special.”
Australia’s most recent victory came in dominant fashion against England, powered by Ash Gardner’s unbeaten century and a stellar all-round effort from Annabel Sutherland, who took three wickets and remained not out on 98. The pair’s commanding 180-run fifth-wicket stand rescued Australia from a precarious 68/4 and sealed yet another convincing win.
Big Partnerships and Calm Under Pressure
McGrath emphasized that partnerships like Gardner and Sutherland’s are at the heart of Australia’s success.
“We focus a lot on building big partnerships. Even when the top order doesn’t fire, no one panics,” she explained. “We genuinely believe we can win from any situation. That calmness comes from the depth and experience across the squad.”
Praise for Sophie Molineux’s Comeback
Among Australia’s standout stories this World Cup has been Sophie Molineux’s return. Despite featuring in only three matches, the left-arm spinner has already claimed eight wickets, making her the team’s second-highest wicket-taker.
McGrath praised Molineux’s resilience and impact after her long injury layoff:
“It’s been amazing to see how big a role she’s played for us. She’s worked incredibly hard to be here, and her performances have been outstanding,” McGrath said. “She’ll continue to be a vital part of our plans heading into the semifinals.”
Injury Update
Australia’s star wicketkeeper-batter Alyssa Healy missed the England game with a calf strain, but McGrath offered a promising update.
“Midge is back in training today. We haven’t finalised the eleven yet — it’s still a day-by-day situation,” she noted.
Focus Shifts to High-Stakes Clash with South Africa
Australia now turn their attention to South Africa, one of the form teams of the tournament, having won five straight matches after an opening defeat to England. The Proteas’ recent 150-run DLS victory over Pakistan, built on a 312-run blitz in 40 overs, underscores their growing threat.
McGrath acknowledged the challenge but remained confident in her team’s approach.
“South Africa are a dangerous side, no doubt,” she said. “But we’ve got a strong record against them and plenty to play for. We want to take our momentum into the knockouts and finish at the top of the table.”
Australia’s Momentum Rolling Into the Finals
As the World Cup heads toward its knockout stage, Australia’s form and depth continue to make them the team to beat. Whether it’s Gardner’s explosiveness, Sutherland’s reliability, or Molineux’s control, the reigning champions have shown they possess answers for every challenge — a hallmark of their enduring dominance in women’s cricket.