Australian star Tahlia McGrath jumps to No.1 on ICC T20 batting rankings

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Tahlia McGrath's rapid rise in international cricket has continued, jumping to No.1 in the ICC's T20I batting rankings.

The 27-year-old only made her debut just over one year ago, and has become a revelation in the Australian side in her 16 matches to date. 

McGrath has scored 495 runs at an impressive average of 121.25, notching four half-centuries and striking at just under 150 in the early stages of her T20I career.

Her recent performances against India in the ongoing series have cemented her spot atop the rankings, jumping teammates Beth Mooney and Meg Lanning, as well as opponent Smriti Mandhana. 

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Aussie captain Alyssa Healy was full of praise for the South Australian all-rounder on Tuesday. 

"I think she's just grown in confidence and confidence goes a long way in this format," she said. 

"I think it's an incredibly fickle format, but if you're walking out there just a little bit more confident than your opposition, it could generally fall your way and I think T-Mac has just grown as a cricketer, as a leader and as batter as well.

"I think she's really confident in her ability and what she can do for our side and I think that's great.

"It's a great reward for the last 12 months for her and hopefully she can keep flying for us."

McGrath is just the fourth Australian player to be ranked No.1 in the T20I batting rankings and just the 12th player in history to hold the position.

She is also the second-fastest player to achieve the feat, with her 16 appearances on the international stage only topped by West Indies star Stafanie Taylor, who previously claimed the top spot after 15 games.

Australia now have five women inside the top 10 batting rankings in T20 cricket, with the in-form duo of McGrath and Mooney joined by Lanning (5th), Healy (8th) and Ash Gardner (10th) heading into the World Cup in February. 

Australia will continue their T20I series against India on December 15th, with the scores locked at 1-1 after two games. 

Australia vs India T20 Women's series

Australia took an early lead in the five-game series, but the hosts India bounced back in front of a record crowd in stunning style, levelling the series in a super over.

With three matches remaining, the likes of McGrath and Mooney will be hoping to continue their impressive run of form and knock off a strong Indian side. 

For more details on Australia's T20 series against India, click here

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Liam is a content producer for The Sporting News Australia.
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