Women's World Cup 2022: Ashleigh Gardner set to return after Covid-19 bout
Australia will play their upcoming match against New Zealand on March 13, Sunday.
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Returning from Covid-19 isolation period, Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner is expected to be included straight back into the side for their all-important match against New Zealand in Women’s World Cup 2022, to be played on March 13 (Sunday) at the Basin Reserve, Wellington. The same was confirmed by Aussie coach Matthew Mott on March 11.
It is to be noted that all-rounder Gardner had tested Covid-19 positive after her side ended their warm-up matches stint in Christchurch. The 24-year-old allrounder was forced into ten days of quarantine, which ruled her out of the starting two matches against arch-rivals England and Pakistan. However, Gardner is set to return, with coach Mott confident that the player will be ready for the upcoming match.
Gardner was involved in team planning sessions despite being in isolation
Despite being in the isolation, Gardner has been updated with team planning’s with coach Mott and other Aussie players contacting the all-rounder.
“Would be different if she was a fast bowler, but as a spinner and where she bats in the order, she would have held her fitness enough during that time and she’ll come straight back in. Think she’ll be pretty excited to rejoin the group, would have been a long time away from everyone,” Australian coach Mott was quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
“She’s been in a few of the spinners meetings and Shelly [Nitschke, the assistant coach] says she has probably given more than ever,” Mott said. “Think [with] that separation she has probably realised how lucky she is to be part of the group,” he added.
Talking about Gardner’s numbers, the 27-year-old has represented Australia in 42 ODIs in which she has scored 571 runs at an average of 24.82. Gardner has a strike rate of 113.97 in the 50-over format. She has scalped 43 wickets going with an economy 4.14. Australia, who are set to play New Zealand upcoming Sunday, will be boosted by their star player’s return.
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