Ashleigh Gardner cleared of concussion; Australia yet to decide on her availability for 2nd T20I vs NZ
Published - 21 Sep 2024, 04:31 PM | Updated - 21 Sep 2024, 04:35 PM
Australia women's star allrounder Ashleigh Gardner has been cleared of concussion following a collision with her teammate Georgia Wareham. Ashleigh Gardner missed the first game of the T20I series, and the team management will decide on her availability for the second T20I by Sunday.
Australia began their summer with a five-wicket victory over New Zealand in the first T20I in Mackay. Australia took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The second game is set to take place at the same venue on Sunday. The series serves as preparation for next month’s T20 World Cup in the UAE.
Ashleigh Gardner Trained With Teammates On Saturday
Ashleigh Gardner and Wareham clashed heads during a warm-up game before the series against New Zealand. She initially laughed off the incident, but she ended up leaving the field in tears. The 27-year-old cricketer has a wretched history with concussions, having suffered seven in her professional career.
Ash Gardner is out due to concussion protocols...
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) September 19, 2024
After this head clash with Georgia Wareham in a warm up game 😮#AUSvNZ pic.twitter.com/fN9tNWiJoc
The star allrounder trained with her teammates in Mackay on Saturday morning. Notably, she has not been diagnosed with a concussion after the earlier incident. This news is a relief for Australia, as both Ashleigh Gardner and Wareham can be available to play in the second T20 against New Zealand on Sunday.
Australia is also facing other injury concerns before next month's World Cup in the UAE. Grace Harris (calf issue), and Kim Garth (knee injury), missed the series against New Zealand.
It Was Good Game For Us - Beth Mooney
Beth Mooney, who will play her 100th T20I in the second match of the series, said that Australia needs to improve their performance. She noted that the first game was good, but it wasn't great. Mooney added that they aim to enhance all aspects of their game.
"It was a good game for us, not a great one. So we're looking to sharpen up every facet of the game, maybe getting off to a bit of a better start with the bat in terms of wickets lost, and then with the ball, maybe tidying up a few different areas there," Mooney said.
"[New Zealand] got 140 on the board and they perhaps were a few runs short, so we'll have to adjust tomorrow night if they come out pretty hard."
Nice To Play One Game For Australia - Beth Mooney
Mooney expressed her excitement about her upcoming milestone. She said that playing any game for Australia is an honor, and reaching 100 matches is particularly special, especially since she doubted she would play at all.
"It's always nice to play one game for Australia, but to play a 100 when there was probably a time where I didn't think I'd play any is very special," Mooney stated.
New Zealand captain Sophie Devine's availability for the second T20I remains uncertain as she is recovering from an ankle injury sustained during The Hundred. She missed the first game of the series, and the team is being cautious with her return ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Also read: 'Jasprit Bumrah is a bowler without a weakness' - Sanjay Manjrekar's ultimate praise
Tagged:
Ashleigh Gardner Georgia Wareham Australia Women's National Cricket Team New Zealand Women's National Cricket Team
