CWG 2022: “Ridiculous”- Twitter erupts as Australia’s COVID-19 positive Tahlia McGrath allowed to play final against India women

​

Tahlia McGrath was isolated from the Australian team.

In a shocking development, Australian all-rounder Tahlia McGrath was allowed to play against the Indian women in the Commonwealth Games final on Sunday (August 7) despite testing positive for COVID-19.

In a statement, Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA) confirmed that she tested positive before the game but was cleared to play after consultation with health experts. The development led to a delay in the toss as a decision had to be made on whether she could play.

Visuals from the match showed her sitting apart from the rest of the team wearing a mask. In a tweet, Cricket Australia wrote:

​

​

“Tahlia McGrath keeps her distance from teammates after testing positive to COVID-19 pre-match. She remains in Australia's XI, with a number of precautions in place.”

cricket.com.au

@cricketcomau

Tahlia McGrath keeps her distance from teammates after testing positive to COVID-19 pre-match.

She remains in Australia's XI, with a number of precautions in place #AUSvIND #B2022

135

18

Tahlia McGrath keeps her distance from teammates after testing positive to COVID-19 pre-match.

She remains in Australia's XI, with a number of precautions in place #AUSvIND #B2022 https://t.co/Sb8ih7AgTG

In-form McGrath came to the crease at No.4 but departed after scoring just a couple of runs. She fell to an exceptional catch by Radha Yadav during the 12th over. Interestingly, she didn’t wear a mask during her short stint at the crease.

Female Cricket #B2022

@imfemalecricket

Radha Yadav's diving catch

#INDvsAUS

161

32

Radha Yadav's diving catch 🔥😍

#INDvsAUS

https://t.co/TmhAVJVjLD

However, Twitter users were shocked at the decision to allow the COVID-19 positive player on the field. Here are some of the reactions:

Akshat Rathi

@AkshatRathi

I don't understand how the rules are allowing Tahlia McGrath on the field playing a cricket match after having tested positive for Covid-19. Dereliction of duty by authorities. #CWG22 #INDvsAUS

7

3

I don't understand how the rules are allowing Tahlia McGrath on the field playing a cricket match after having tested positive for Covid-19. Dereliction of duty by authorities. #CWG22 #INDvsAUS

Shyam Vasudevan

@JesuisShyam

Australia allrounder Tahlia McGrath was allowed to play in today's final against India despite testing positive test for Covid-19. She was dismissed in four deliveries but ummm....safety hazard anyone?????

#CWG22 | #B2022

6

Australia allrounder Tahlia McGrath was allowed to play in today's final against India despite testing positive test for Covid-19. She was dismissed in four deliveries but ummm....safety hazard anyone?????

#CWG22 | #B2022 https://t.co/akjZuhFt2M

Cricketjeevi

@wildcardgyan

Tahlia McGrath can't sit with her teammates but she can play cricket.

Make this make sense!

37

4

Tahlia McGrath can't sit with her teammates but she can play cricket.

Make this make sense! 😡😡

Transponster Jay

@Jay_KD77

Tahlia McGrath is covid positive yet playing in this match?
Ridiculous from CWG management!!

No surprises it's Australia again who are at the beneficiary end 🙂

5

1

Tahlia McGrath is covid positive yet playing in this match?
Ridiculous from CWG management!!

No surprises it's Australia again who are at the beneficiary end 🙂

Annika

@Annikadass

@birminghamcg22 please explain why tahlia McGrath is playing the finals after testing positive?

1

1

@birminghamcg22 please explain why tahlia McGrath is playing the finals after testing positive?

Abhishek Mukherjee

@ovshake42

Tahlia McGrath, having tested positive for COVID-19, walks out to bat.

I am sure other teams will take notice and follow suit in the months to come.

Be prepared to see more COVID-19 positive cricketers on the field in future.

102

6

Tahlia McGrath, having tested positive for COVID-19, walks out to bat.

I am sure other teams will take notice and follow suit in the months to come.

Be prepared to see more COVID-19 positive cricketers on the field in future.

Shahid

@ishahid__

Tahlia McGrath is covid positive but she is still playing today's match, this is bit strange. #INDWvsAUSW

Tahlia McGrath is covid positive but she is still playing today's match, this is bit strange. #INDWvsAUSW

Jagandeep Singh Sanghera

@Jdsanghera

@melindafarrell When did COVID lose its infectiousness? And who will be responsible if someone contracts COVID from Tahlia McGrath? This is beyond absurd really.

1

@melindafarrell When did COVID lose its infectiousness? And who will be responsible if someone contracts COVID from Tahlia McGrath? This is beyond absurd really.

---

ICC and CWG Federation approve Tahlia McGrath's partipation - Official statement

Australia women’s team received clearance from the International Cricket Council (ICC) to field the COVID-19 positive McGrath in the Commonwealth Games' gold medal match against India Women.

Australia released a statement which read:

​

​

"Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA) can confirm that cricketer Tahlia McGrath has returned a positive test for Covid-19. CGA clinical staff have consulted with the Commonwealth Games Federation RACEG (Results Analysis Clinical Expert Group) team and match officials, and McGrath is taking part in today's final against India."

It added:

​

​

"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."

​

ESPNcricinfo

@ESPNcricinfo

BREAKING: Australia allrounder Tahlia McGrath has tested positive for Covid-19 and is experiencing mild symptoms.

Following consultation with health experts, team and match officials, she has been allowed to participate in the gold medal match

#CWG22 #B2022

363

72

BREAKING: Australia allrounder Tahlia McGrath has tested positive for Covid-19 and is experiencing mild symptoms.

Following consultation with health experts, team and match officials, she has been allowed to participate in the gold medal match

#CWG22 #B2022 https://t.co/jD7jjXpzY3

​