Ashleigh Gardner cleared of concussion; Australia yet to decide on her availability for 2nd T20I vs NZ

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...

After this head clash with Georgia Wareham in a warm up game 😮#AUSvNZ pic.twitter.com/fN9tNWiJoc

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) September 19, 2024

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."

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