Australia’s seam-bowling all-rounder Kim Garth expressed that the pain from the ODI World Cup semi-final defeat to India still lingers within the team. She emphasized that hosting a multi-format series against India, scheduled from February to March, presents an exciting challenge for the Australian squad.
In a thrilling semi-final in Navi Mumbai, India overcame Australia by five wickets to claim victory and eventually lift the trophy. “Definitely, I think that one certainly still hurts a bit. That semi-final loss, India are obviously a very good team. So look, I think every time we play India, it’s always a good game of cricket,” Garth stated.
She shared her thoughts about the upcoming series and how it comprises three ODIs, three T20s, and a Test match within a month across various conditions in Australia. “So I think to have obviously three one-dayers, three T20s and a Test match in the space of a month and in different conditions all around Australia is going to be really exciting,” Kim remarked to ABC Sport during the fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Garth also emphasized the increasing competitiveness in women’s cricket, noting that teams are closing the gap against top sides like Australia. “It’s an interesting one. Obviously, it’s been a very dominant team for so long, but I think all teams are just improving, and we’re seeing a lot more competitive games, which is really exciting. In World Cups, they all seem to be a lot closer.”
Reflecting on Australia’s past successes, she added, “Australia went through a period there for a while where they pretty much won everything and now they don’t hold either of the 50-over or T20 World Cup, which is the first time for a long time I think that that’s happened.”
Despite the sting of the World Cup loss, Garth sees opportunity for growth in women’s cricket. “But look, I think it’s really exciting for women’s cricket. Obviously, still, as I said before, still hurting a bit from that World Cup loss, but I think it’s only a good thing for the game.”
Garth remains optimistic about the talent emerging in the Australian team. “Very well, I think. Honestly, there’s so much talent in that group and so much coming through. I just can’t wait to see in years to come how all these girls – the likes of Phoebe Litchfield and Annabel Sutherland develop in coming years.”
She added that the upcoming series against India is highly anticipated. “It’s about the next lot coming through as well. To see how that plays out, it’s going to be very exciting. But as I said, the India series is something to look forward to, and I think it’ll be a really good test for us.”
Regarding the two teams playing a Test match, Garth feels there should be more longer-format games in women’s international cricket. “I think so. Look, I know the players certainly want more Test cricket. We all love playing Test matches. So I can’t see why not (more of it).”
She reminisced about a thrilling Test match. “I think we’ve had some brilliant women’s Test matches over the years. Particularly, I think back to that Ashes Test in England, I think it was 2023, went the full five days with some brilliant cricket played across all five days. So I mean, I personally can’t see why not and selfishly, obviously want to play a lot more Test cricket, so hopefully (more of it).”
Currently taking a break, Kim will soon travel to India to play for the Gujarat Giants (GG) in WPL 2026. “At this current point in time, obviously had a bit of time off over Christmas, which was lovely after a pretty hectic few months. Then, a large chunk of the girls are heading off to India next week to play in the WPL over there, which is always very exciting. Then about a week later, we start that multi-format series at home against India. So that’ll be a great series as well,” she concluded.