‘We want to win that World Cup’ - Australia raise the stakes for series against India
With the race at the top of the ICC Women’s Championship points table heating up, the reigning ODI champions are looking to finish atop the tally.
Australia’s stand-in skipper Tahlia McGrath has conceded that their campaign for next year’s ODI World Cup begins on Thursday as they take on India in a three-match ICC Women’s Championship series at home.
Currently sitting at the top of the Women’s Championship points table, the Aussies have a three point advantage over India, who are third in the tally.
ICC Women's Championship Standings
McGrath, who will assume the captaincy command in the absence of full-time skipper Healy, has noted that the hosts are looking to set an example with their positive brand of cricket.
“We love to take the game on, play positively, and it's just more time to do that,” McGrath said. “We're really excited to get back out there in a format that we're really successful in and really excited to get out in home conditions as well.”
Adding on the strengths of the visiting side, McGrath conceded the hosts are looking at the bigger picture ahead of the three-match series at home.
"(India) have got superstars, always hard-fought and crucial key moments in every game, and while we're at home we're expecting a lot of India support. We want to win that World Cup (in 2025), it starts tomorrow," she said.
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Australia will be missing Alyssa Healy in the upcoming series after she was ruled out owing to injury.
While McGrath has been named skipper, Ashleigh Gardner will be her deputy in chief. Previously, the duo had been appointed for the same roles during Australia’s tour of Ireland last year.
"I'm excited, every opportunity I get to lead any side I love, I thrive off of it," McGrath said..
The 29-year-old added that while she has taken up the captaincy mantle before, the prospect of doing so for a whole series brings about more opportunities.
"This is the first time I've had a full series as captain – previously I've stepped into the role at the end of a series or a tournament.
"I like to put my own spin on it. Every captain's slightly different, but a full series for me, and I'm really excited about the opportunity to work alongside Ash to implement a few things that I do as captain, and hopefully get the most out of this group and have a series win."