By: Express News ServiceDecember 23, 2025 04:12 PM IST 2 min readMcGrath made a mere 69 runs in eight matches at an average of 13.75 in the World Cup and also captained Australia in Alyssa Healy’s absence for a couple of matches (AP Photo)Australian vice-captain and allrounder Tahlia McGrath has admitted she underperformed at the 2025 Women’s World Cup, adding that it was ‘probably’ the toughest period of her career. The 30-year-old said that she was trying her best to ensure her WBBL side, Adelaide Strikers, got to the finals, but one part of her mind also wished for a breather from the game.McGrath made a mere 69 runs in eight matches at an average of 13.75 in the World Cup and also captained Australia in Alyssa Healy’s absence for a couple of matches late in the group stage of the tournament. Australia couldn’t win a record-extending eighth title after a stunning defeat to eventual champions India in the semi-final.“Cricket’s a pretty brutal game, and it’s very much based around confidence. And when it’s not going your way, the world gets pretty big on you. I definitely underperformed and felt the pressure a bit.”“Probably (on whether it was the toughest period of her career). I think you add captaincy into that, you add time away from home, and, obviously, when you lose a World Cup, it’s pretty hard to get over as well. It’s been a challenging time.“As much as I was doing everything possible to get us playing some finals cricket [in the WBBL], I was hanging out for a bit of a break,” McGrath said.The allrounder opted against playing in the Women’s Premier League in India in January, and once the Strikers were out of contention for a WBBL finals spot, decided against picking up a bat.“It’s properly distancing myself at the moment. There’s not much point in me picking up a bat.”Story continues below this ad“I wouldn’t achieve much. So, it’s get away from the game, go for walks along the beach, play a bit of golf, see some friends and family. And just refresh, get that energy back and put in the work after Christmas,” she said.Stay updated with the latest sports news across Cricket, Football, Chess, and more. Catch all the action with real-time live cricket score updates and in-depth coverage of ongoing matches.© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:ICC Women's World Cup