McGrath makes it four from four as her average hits 247

Tahlia McGrath's transformation into one of Australia's most dangerous T20 weapons is such that even she can scarcely believe the run she's been on since her debut last year.

McGrath, fresh off a match-winning 70 off 45 against Ireland on Thursday, seemed taken aback to learn the match was the first time she’d ever been dismissed in a T20I, and that her batting average in the format currently sits at a healthy 247.

"There you go … not bad!" laughed McGrath in typically humble fashion.

Since earning her first T20I cap against India in October 2021 on the Gold Coast, McGrath’s scores in the four games in which she's batted make for very impressive reading: 42no, 44no, 91no and 70.

Named Player of the Match in each of the four matches, McGrath says the depth in Australia's batting unit allows her to play with complete freedom, as does her genuine love and appreciation for pulling on the green and gold.

"The thing about the T20 format for me is there's just so much freedom," she said.

"I feel as though when I come to the wicket, I've been given a license to play my shots and I know that if it doesn't come off for me, the talent we've got coming in is enormous.

"I just love playing for Australia, no matter where that is, no matter where I'm batting (or) what role I'm playing.

"The fact that I'm going to be playing in a Commonwealth Games is very, very cool and not something that I thought I'd get to be doing.

"So just riding the wave at the moment, loving my cricket and hopefully (I will) have a gold medal soon."

McGrath, who combined with captain Meg Lanning for a 140-run partnership on Thursday, compiled a free-flowing innings that was a mix of trademark hard-hitting drives as well as an array of impeccably timed reverse sweeps that left Ireland’s bowlers and fielders scrambling.

With the sense of calm that Lanning's presence imparts on McGrath in the middle, she saw an opportunity to get creative.

"I have been working on the reverse a little bit and then just thought (it was the) perfect opportunity to try something so I gave it a go, " McGrath explained.

"Lucky it came off today, it might not come off all the time but it did today.

"I love batting with Meg and if there's one shot I could steal off anyone it's that flick off the legs for six from her, it's incredible.

"I always just feel so calm whenever I’m at the crease with her. She just makes things happen, the scoreboards always ticking when I’m batting with her."

McGrath also paid tribute to her fellow South Australian Megan Schutt, who became just the second Australian bowler – male or female – to reach 100 T20 international wickets.

Schutt, reaching 100 scalps from 77 innings, is the second fastest woman to reach the milestone behind Anya Shrubsole (74) and the sixth woman overall to take 100 T20I wickets.

"We're pretty close as a (South Australian) crew, we cop a lot for all the time we hang out together, but I'm sure she'll let us all know that that's 100 wickets. She likes to brag about those sorts of things," laughed McGrath.

"She definitely flies under the radar. She's a crucial part of our team and she's really good taking the new bowlers under her wing and helping them out and pass on her knowledge."

Australia's Tour of the UK, 2022

Australia's squad: Meg Lanning (c), Rachael Haynes (vc), Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Heather Graham, Grace Harris, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Amanda-Jade Wellington

T20 Tri-Series

Ireland squad: Laura Delany (c), Ava Canning, Rachel Delaney, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Gaby Lewis, Sophie MacMahon, Jane Maguire, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Rebecca Stokell, Mary Waldron

Pakistan squad: Bismah Maroof (c), Aimen Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Ayesha Naseem, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Gul Feroza, Iram Javed, Kainat Imtiaz, Muneeba Ali Siddiqui, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal, Tuba Hassan

July 16: Australia v Pakistan: no result

July 17: Australia defeated Ireland by nine wickets

July 19: Pakistan defeated Ireland by 13 runs (DLS)

July 21: Australia defeated Ireland by 63 runs

July 23: Australia v Pakistan

July 24: Ireland v Pakistan

All matches start 4pm local time (1am AEST) and played at Bready Cricket Club, Derry, Northern Ireland

Australia's T20 tri-series matches will be broadcast in Australia on Foxtel and Kayo Sports, while the games between Pakistan and Ireland can be watched via live stream here

2022 Commonwealth Games

July 29 v India (11am local time, 8pm AEST)

July 31 v Barbados (6pm local, 3am Aug 1 AEST)

August 3 v Pakistan (11am local, 8pm AEST)

Group A: Australia, India, Pakistan, Barbados

Group B: England, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka

Semi-finals: August 6, 11am local (8pm AEST) and 6pm local (3am Aug 7 AEST)

Bronze medal match: August 7, 10am local (7pm AEST)

Gold medal match: August 7, 5pm local (2am Aug 8 AEST)

All matches played at Edgbaston Stadium