CWG 2022 Final: How was Tahlia McGrath allowed to play despite testing COVID-19 positive

The Indian and Australian teams put on a show in an enthralling finale of the historic Women’s T20 tournament in the Commonwealth Games 2022 on Sunday, the 7th of August, in front of an electric Edgbaston crowd. But the fans on the ground and viewers across the globe were left amused when Tahlia McGrath, who tested positive for Covid-19 earlier in the day, came out to bat for the Aussies.

The Australian team suffered a major setback moments before heading to the toss in the grand finale, on a day when the world celebrated Women’s cricket, as Tahlia McGrath’s COVID-19 test came out positive. But the Australian team decided to include her in the playing XI after consultation with the Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA).

The other finalists, the Indian team, quite expectedly, were bemused by this decision but eventually got on with things as there wasn’t much time for deliberation. There were a few questions raised about the decision but according to existing protocols at the multi-sporting event, it’s the team’s responsibility to decide on the player’s inclusion, and since Tahlia had only mild symptoms they included her in the playing XI.

CGA confirmed in an official statement that they had followed the protocols regarding Tahlia McGrath’s inclusion

Commonwealth Games Australia confirmed the decision in an official statement and revealed that the ICC had approved her participation in the final despite testing positive for Covid-19.

“McGrath presented to team management with mild symptoms on Sunday and subsequently returned the positive test. She was named in the starting XI at the toss, and the International Cricket Council (ICC) approved her participation in the final.”

While much of the talk was surrounding the decision regarding Tahlia’s participation in the game, she did not have any major say in the match and was a solitary figure on the field since she was not allowed to celebrate with the team amid fears of percolating the virus to her teammates. She was seen with a mask later when the Australian team was presented with gold medals at the podium after winning the final by nine runs.