The India vs Australia final at the Commonwealth Games 2022 lived up to the expectations. Both the teams produced yet another classic on the cricket field before Australia clinched the thriller by 9 runs to win a historic gold. The match went right down to the wire as Australia held their nerve to inflict yet another painful defeat in a final on Team India.
But even before the game began, a huge drama unfolded at Edgbaston, the venue for the final. In-form Australia allrounder Tahlia McGrath tested positive for COVID-19 shortly before the match. And while everyone was expecting her to miss the game as per the standard protocol, Australia left everyone utterly surprised by including her in the playing eleven.
The toss was delayed by about 12 minutes while discussions took place on McGrath’s availability before she got the green light to play the game. The allrounder was separated from her teammates, skipped the anthems before the match, and wore a mask while sitting away from the rest during the batting innings of her team. Later, she came out to bat but could not do much and was out for just 2.
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After that, she took the field once again when Australia came out to defend the total. Tahlia, however, failed to make a mark with the ball too. In the two overs that she bowled, she conceded 24 runs without taking any wicket.
Fans slam Australia for ‘shameless act’ in India vs Australia final:
Away from the cricket field, fans were not at all happy with Australia’s decision to play Tahlia McGrath despite her Covid-19 diagnosis. As soon as the news of her being in the playing eleven came out, the fans started slamming Australia and accused them of cheating in the final. The fans continued taking shots at Australia even after the game ended as they expressed their disappointment over Tahlia’s participation in the game.
Here are some of the reactions:
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
— Akshat Rathi (@AkshatRathi) August 7, 2022
In a shameful incident, Australian all-rounder Tahlia McGrath, despite testing positive for COVID19 and experiencing mild symptoms, has been allowed to feature in the side's gold medal match against India in CWG 2022. These goras are b∆$t∆πd$ of the highest order.
— Mayank Jindal (@MJ_007Club) August 7, 2022
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.
— Abhishek Mukherjee (@ovshake42) August 7, 2022
Wtf is happened?
Tahlia Mcgrath came out without a mask despite being covid positive,then whats the point of isolating from teammates and wearing a mask in the dugout?
Where are the precautions?#INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/nSCiJDOrgD— Geofinn_12 (@12Geofinn) August 7, 2022
Tahlia McGrath is playing despite Covid positive. This is like mocking all those who suffered due to the pandemic. I demand suspension of entire team. #INDvAUS
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) August 7, 2022
AUS used laws meant for criminals to deport a tennis player.
But today Australian cricketer Tahlia McGrath was tested COVID positive but was still allowed to play. And thats following consultation with health experts, team and match officials ?.
Because science & logic.
— Mahesh S Wali (@MaheshS_Wali) August 7, 2022
If incase we find ourselves in a losing position i urge all the Indian women to start coughing and follow it up by looking at Tahlia McGrath.
— Heisenberg ☢ (@internetumpire) August 7, 2022
#INDvsAUS #AUSvIND #CWG2022#CommonwealthGames2022
Deported Djokovic out of Australia for not being Vaccinated, allowed Tahlia McGrath to Play being Covid positive.
Hypocrite Aussies : pic.twitter.com/cGKjACGLtX
— g0v!ñD $#@®mA (@rishu_1809) August 7, 2022
Australian cricketer Tahlia McGrath who tested positive for #COVID19 is allowed to play today's final against India at #CWG2022 while Djokovic was denied entry and not allowed to eventually participate in Australian open for not being vaccinated.
Just wow!!!#INDvsAUS— Deepak Bopanna (@dpkBopanna) August 7, 2022
How the governing bodies allowed Tahlia McGrath to play this match after testing positive for COVID-19 is a big mystery. Nothing against her, but just can't figure out what the authorities thought. She batted and has also bowled now. Plenty of chances of contact.#INDvsAUS
— Prasenjit Dey (@CricPrasen) August 7, 2022
Can't believe Tahlia McGrath has been given the green signal to partake in the final despite testing Covid positive. Aside from putting the others at risk, it's so not fair to compromise on one's health and field her in a physically demanding sport #INDvAUS #CWG22
— Soorya Sesha (@sooryasesha7) August 7, 2022