AUS-W vs NZ-W 2024: Ashleigh Gardner ruled out with bizarre concussion during warm-up

Australia women hit a major roadblock before the commencement of the T20I series against New Zealand women as Ashleigh Gardner has been ruled out at the very last minute after a mishap during the warm-up.

Gardner, who has had a history of concussions, was hit in the jaw after she collided with teammate Georgia Wareham during practice. As a result of the collision, she missed the first T20I against the White Ferns, with Heather Graham called in as the replacement. 

"Ash Gardner suffered a hit in the jaw as a result of a collision during the warm-up and is unavailable for tonight's match,” Cricket Australia released a statement. 

Gardner’s injury adds to Australia’s list of injured players as the likes of Grace Harris and Kim Garth have already been ruled out. However, the board is hopeful of their return ahead of the T20 World Cup in October. 

It is worth noting that Garth injured her left knee towards the end of The Hundred women. However, she has resumed her training, and she should be back in practice soon. On the other hand, Harris sustained a major injury in her left calf. She strained the same calf during recovery, delaying her return. But she, too, is expected to return in time for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. 

"Kim Garth is progressing well with her rehab following a knee injury sustained at the back end of the Hundred. She has resumed training. She is not available for selection for this series but is on track to be available for the World Cup,” read a statement from Cricket Australia. 

"Grace Harris sustained a very low grade right calf strain earlier this week while completing her return from a significant left calf injury in the off season. She will be unavailable for the NZ series but all going well we expect she will be available for the World Cup."

The T20I series between Australia and New Zealand will be a great opportunity for both sides to prepare for the mega tournament.

Australia revised XI for first T20I

Alyssa Healy (c, wk), Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Heather Graham, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Georgia Wareham, Annabel Sutherland, Sophie Molineux, Megan Schutt, Tayla Vlaeminck