Ashleigh Gardner to miss remainder of New Zealand T20I series due to fractured finger

Ashleigh Gardner, an Australian all-rounder, will not be playing in the current three-match T20I series between Australia and New Zealand due to an unfortunate turn of events. It has been verified that her right index finger injury is a fracture.

At the first Twenty20 International in Auckland on Friday, March 21, New Zealand chose to bat first after winning the toss. Gardner bowled the 17th over of the New Zealand innings, sending in a flighted delivery to Sophie Devine, who drove the ball back hard towards the off-spinner after going down the track. Gardner was unable to hang on even though she got both hands on the ball. She had injured herself, and it was clear right away. A physiotherapist evaluated the injury before the 27-year-old left the field.

According to a statement released by Cricket Australia on Saturday, “She will have additional scans and seek specialist advice on return to Sydney.”

Ashleigh Gardner, who finished with figures of 0/14 in 2.2 overs, did not return to bowl.

Gardner would not bat in Australia’s chase after being sent for scans, according to the report following the New Zealand innings. With eight wickets remaining in the 14th over, Australia pursued a goal of 138 runs, therefore she wasn’t needed at bat. Georgia Voll (50) and Beth Mooney (75*), the openers, easily defeated the run-chase with half-centuries.

The 22-year-old Queensland batting all-rounder Charli Knott, who has not yet been capped, has been called up to the team for the final two games of the series. In 2024, she played for the Brisbane Heat, who advanced to the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) final. Over 12 games, Knott amassed 187 runs at bat and claimed six wickets.

Mount Maunganui is set to host the final Twenty20 International on Wednesday, March 26, and the second one on Sunday, March 23.