Tahlia McGrath signs with Lancashire Thunder as final overseas recruit

Tahlia McGrath has signed with Lancashire Thunder for the 2019 edition of the Women’s Cricket Super League, the club announced on Tuesday (July 16). She joins Harmanpreet Kaur and Sune Luus as Lancashire’s third and final overseas signing.



The Australian allrounder has been a key member of Adelaide Strikers in the Women’s Big Bash League for the last four seasons. In the previous edition of the WBBL, McGrath scored 276 runs— including back-to-back half centuries— in 14 matches at a strike rate of 126.02. She also chipped in with five wickets with her handy medium pace.



https://twitter.com/LancsCricketWMN/status/1151132226630766596



Having made her international debut in 2016, the 23-year-old has represented Australia in both Test and ODI formats. While her numbers at the international level do not reflect her true ability, McGrath is confident that her time with Australia A in England will give her an advantage in the WCSL.



“I was really excited to get the opportunity to go over to England for the Australia A tour,” McGrath said. “It’s my first time playing cricket here and it’s been good to test my game in different conditions. As it has now worked out, it’s been the perfect preparation ahead of my first Kia Super League spell with Lancashire Thunder. I have heard great things about Lancashire and I am looking forward to getting stuck in alongside my new teammates.”



McGrath has so far shown impressive form during Australia A’s tour of England. In the three-match one-day series against England Academy, the allrounder scored 151 runs in three innings, including a highest of 91 not out. She also chipped in with three wickets in the middle overs.



“I am delighted that we were able to bring Tahlia in as our third overseas player for the KSL,” said Alex Blackwell, head coach of Lancashire. “Despite being just 23, she will take on the role of a senior player and has lots of experience in both franchise cricket and on the international stage. I believe she will complement our England girls and overseas signings in Harmanpreet and Sune really nicely.”



Having completed their overseas signings, Lancashire will finalise their squad by the end of the week. Lancashire kick off their campaign at home against Southern Vipers on August 6.