Ashleigh Gardner has been ruled out of the current T20I series between Australia and New Zealand due to a confirmed fracture to her right index finger. Cricket Australia stated in a statement on Saturday that “she will have additional scans and seek specialist advice on return to Sydney.”
The 22-year-old Queensland batting all-rounder Charli Knott, who has not yet been capped, has been added to the squad for the series’ final two games. On Sunday, the second game will take place, and on Wednesday, the final one.
With 39 balls remaining and chasing 138 for victory, Australia won the opening match in Auckland on Friday, taking a 1-0 lead in the series. They did this with just 2.2 overs of bowling from ace all-rounder Gardner.
Ashleigh Gardner sent in a flighted delivery to Sophie Devine, who went down the track and smacked the ball back hard towards Ashleigh. This was her third over of the New Zealand innings, which came after the team had chosen to bat. Ashleigh attempted to catch the ball with both hands, but she spilled it, making it obvious that she had injured herself.
Gardner left the field shortly after the physio left.
Following the New Zealand innings, it was announced that Gardner would not be batting in Australia’s chase because he had been taken for scans. In any case, that wasn’t necessary because Georgia Voll (50 in 31) and Beth Mooney (75 not out in 42 balls) provided Australia with the runs they needed.
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