Courtesy: CA
Ashleigh Gardner, the Australian all-rounder, has been ruled out of the remaining two T20Is of the three-match series after it was confirmed that she had suffered a fracture in her right index finger. The injury occurred during the first T20I of the series against New Zealand at the Eden Park in Auckland while fielding off her own bowling, and after hurting herself, the Australian team physio assessed her before she went off the field to get her finger further checked-up.
During the first T20I, Australia were far too good for New Zealand to handle as they defeated them by eight wickets with 39 balls to spare in the pursuit of the paltry 138-run target. While New Zealand lost only two wickets in their innings, their batting lineup wasn’t allowed to accelerate into high gear at any stage by the Australian bowlers, with the likes of Darcie Brown and Annabel Sutherland conceding runs six-per-over during their full quota of four overs.
Ashleigh Gardner will have further scans and seek specialist advice on return to Sydney: Cricket Australia
In the run chase, Beth Mooney and Georgia Voll shared an opening stand of 123 runs in 11 overs, during which both of them got past their respective fifties before Lea Tahuhu picked two quick wickets, but ultimately, Australia cruised to victory. The Ashleigh Gardner injury happened during the New Zealand batting innings when the ball was smashed back at her in the follow through by Sophie Devine, and the attempt at the catch led to a fractured finger.
The official statement from Cricket Australia (CA) on the matter read, “She (Ashleigh Gardner) will have further scans and seek specialist advice on return to Sydney.” Moreover, in the absence of Ashleigh Gardner, her teammate Ellyse Perry will be taking over the role of the deputy to captain Tahlia McGrath, while she will be replaced in the Australian squad by Charli Knott, who is an uncapped batting all-rounder.
Get real-time IPL scores, expert match predictions, and expert fantasy tips exclusively on SportsTiger!
