Tahilia McGrath, Australian all-rounder who had tested positive for COVID-19, on Sunday walked out to bat without a mask. She is representing her team in the Commonwealth Games 2022 final against Indian Women. 

McGrath, who did not lineup with the rest of the team during the national anthems, was seen sitting all alone in the stands with a face mask on. However, she came out to bat at No 4, without a mask. 

Also read: 5th T20I: India beat West Indies by 88 runs, win series 4-1

“Why is Tahlia McGrath playing the final despite testing Covid positive? Why has India not protested? Shocking,” a Twitter user said. 

“Wasn’t even a false positive or anything Tahlia McGrath was showing COVID symptoms and allowed to play. This has to be the height of biasness in favor of green and gold cheats,” another one said. 

Also read: Watch: Radha Yadav takes a blinder to dismiss Tahlia McGrath in the Commonwealth Games final

“Tahlia McGrath represents a country that ensured Novak Djokovic was deported and not allowed to play in #AusOpen for being unvaccinated and was called a threat. When it came to one of their own – it was okay to let her play with covid? #DoubleStandards #CWG22 #Australia,” a third one tweeted. 

Ahead of the game on Sunday, Commonwealth Games Australia confirmed that the all-rounder had tested positive for the coronavirus. 

Also read: Can Hardik name all changes in playing 11? Skipper tested during 5th T20

“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,”the statement said. 

“Cricket Australia medical staff have implemented a range of comprehensive protocols which will be observed throughout the game and for post-match activity, to minimise the risk of transmission to all players and officials.”

The toss was delayed as the concerned bodies discussed her participation. 

McGrath came in to bat when skipper Meg Lanning was dismissed following a superb run out by Radha Yadav in the 11th over. She spoke to her batting partner Beth Mooney upon arriving at the crease. 

The all-rounder scored two runs in four balls before she departed owing to Yadav’s brilliant catch. 

“The CGA has maintained a comprehensive Covid-19 risk mitigation strategy for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, with testing protocols over and above those required by the Birmingham 2022 Organising Committee,” the Commonwealth Games Australia statement added.