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Commonwealth Games: Australian cricketer Tahlia McGrath plays in gold medal match despite positive COVID test

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Mitchell WoodcockThe West Australian
VideoWild scenes as COVID-positive Aussie star takes catch

Drama engulfed Australia’s Twenty20 gold medal victory against India before a ball was bowled after star Tahlia McGrath was cleared to play despite a positive COVID-19 diagnosis.

The all-rounder returned a positive test on the morning of the game, but was cleared by the Commonwealth Games Federation RACEG (Results Analysis Clinical Expert Group) and ICC to play for Australia at Edgbaston.

Cricket Australia confirmed McGrath had mild symptoms Sunday and returned a positive test, before being named in the XI to take on India with the ICC approving her to play after a discussion that delayed the toss.

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McGrath did not sing the national anthem alongside her teammates prior to the match and was repeatedly shown on the broadcast sitting away from them while wearing a mask.

The call sparked controversy in India, with many supporters hitting out on social media at her allowance to be able to play.

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Australian cricket star Tahlia McGrath awaits to bat while wearing a mask.
Camera IconAustralian cricket star Tahlia McGrath awaits to bat while wearing a mask. Credit: Alex Davidson/Getty Images

McGrath removed her mask when she came out to bat at No.4 for Australia, but it was tough to tell if she was affected by the virus because her innings lasted just four balls and two runs.

Despite having the virus, she was close to the Indian wicketkeeper Taniyaa Bhatia and was seen in close contact with teammate Beth Mooney during their short partnership.

Beth Mooney and Tahlia McGrath get close despite the latter having COVID-19.
Camera IconBeth Mooney and Tahlia McGrath get close despite the latter having COVID-19. Credit: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

The series of weird moments didn’t stop there for McGrath. She was seen just standing away from wicket celebrations, but teammate Jess Jonassen was happy to fist bump her to keep her involved.

A true test of the protocols came in the third over when McGrath took a catch off the bowling of Ash Gardner, with none of her teammates except Jonassen going near her to celebrate at her insistence.

Australians Jess Jonassen (left) and Tahlia McGrath (right) share a moment in the field.
Camera IconAustralians Jess Jonassen (left) and Tahlia McGrath (right) share a moment in the field. Credit: DAVE HUNT/AAPIMAGE

Many of the members of the team were seen smiling and laughing at the circumstances they found themselves in.

The ball was not visibly sanitised every time McGrath touched it, despite there being protocols in place to protect the other players.

McGrath came into bowl the eighth over, but was taken to by the Indian batters who scored 11 off the over.

After claiming victory, teammates embraced the all-rounder despite there being restrictions as they celebrated winning a remarkable gold medal victory.

Australia celebrate their gold medal win and Tahlia McGrath isn’t wearing a mask.
Camera IconAustralia celebrate their gold medal win and Tahlia McGrath isn’t wearing a mask. Credit: Aijaz Rahi/AP

McGrath was able to join her teammates hand-in-hand as they received their medals, but she had to wear a mask throughout the ceremony before taking it off for pictures.

Her importance to the Australia side was paramount, with the 26-year-old entering the final as the team’s highest wicket-taker with eight at an average of 12.12 and scoring 128 runs for the tournament at an average of 42.66.

Players of Team Australia huddle as team mate Tahlia McGrath looks on from outside.
Camera IconPlayers of Team Australia huddle as team mate Tahlia McGrath looks on from outside. Credit: Alex Davidson/Getty Images

England’s relaxed COVID-19 rules means each positive case was assessed individually during the tournament.

Australian wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy pre-empted the squad would be hindered by the virus before the tournament began.

Tahlia McGrath stands away from her teammates before they run out to field in the final.
Camera IconTahlia McGrath stands away from her teammates before they run out to field in the final. Credit: Alex Davidson/Getty Images

“We have taken quite a cautious approach, knowing that if one goes down there’s potential that more in the team will go down,” Healy said in late July.

“I think all the girls are super professional in how they handle that and how they respond to that.

“We hope it doesn’t come into our group. But I think that’s a pipe dream. I’m sure it will at some point.

“We’re just making sure we’re doing what we can to minimise that risk.”

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