I knew what I was giving up: Kim Garth on leaving Ireland

Kim Garth received her maiden call-up for the Australian T20I side ahead of their five-match series against India starting from December 9 at the DY Patil stadium in Mumbai. 

Ahead of the team's departure, Garth addressed the virtual press conference and said, as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo, Shawn Flegler gave me a call two weeks ago. It was in the middle of the afternoon, and it was a quick call telling me I was included. I was surprised and very excited. It's been a few big years moving across the world through your career. Things like this make it all worthwhile."

The seam-bowling all-rounder made her debut for Ireland in 2010 and played 34 ODIs and 54 T20Is before moving her base to Australia in June 2020. 

The 26-year-old played for Victoria in the domestic tournament, also known as the WNCL and showcased her skills in the Women's Big Bash League to stake a claim for herself in the national side. 

"Possibly not playing for Ireland again was a big factor in how difficult the decision was to make. I knew what I was giving up, but at the same time, I knew the strength of the domestic system here, how strong the local players were. The WBBL was a big pull for me to become a local as they attracted top international players," she said.

"Having played a few years in grade cricket in Australia, I have seen some of the lifestyle the girls live and play cricket every day for a living and not have to work other jobs at the side."

"It's something I really wanted to do, and it was a now-or-never type of thing. I knew it would - I think I was 23 when I made the decision - take me a couple of years to become a local. And if I left it any longer, it wouldn't be worthwhile," she further added. 

Garth also credited the role of Ellyse Perry for her support over the years and revealed the 

Ellyse Perry has been very supportive over the last year, and I got a very nice message from her. She rang me up after Sydney Sixers' last group game, which was cool. So she's been a big support for me and a very good friend," she concluded