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Gardner ruled out of second ODI

Australia's all-round hero from Women's Ashes opener still suffering from concussion and won't take part in today's fixture

Australia have been dealt a major blow ahead of their second Women's Ashes one-day international in Coffs Harbour, with Sunday's match-winner Ash Gardner ruled out with concussion.

Gardner top-edged England fast-bowler Katherine Brunt into her helmet in the 47th over of Australia's thrilling two-wicket win but showed no immediate signs of concussion.

However, following the match the 20-year-old developed symptoms of concussion.

Gardner reflects on all-round dominance

She did not train with her teammates on Tuesday and only lightly the next day at Coffs Harbour International Sports Stadium. On the morning of Thursday's day-night ODI against England she failed a concussion test, ruling her out of the fixture. 

“Ash took a slight hit by the ball towards the end of the first ODI in Brisbane, and subsequently presented with mild concussion symptoms," said Australian Women’s Team Physiotherapist Kate Mahony.

"To give her the best chance to play, she was placed on lighter training duties this week, and following concussion testing this morning, symptoms have not cleared and unfortunately she will not be able to take part in this match.”

“We expect her to be fully fit for the third ODI on Sunday.”

Allrounder Gardner starred in Australia's win in Brisbane, taking 3-47 with her off-breaks before crashing two sixes in an 18-ball 27 that turned the match in the hosts' favour.

Her spot in the XI will likely go to one of left-arm fast bowler Lauren Cheatle or experienced leg-spinner Kristen Beams, the two reserve bowlers in the 14-player squad.

Gardner's omission weakens a deep Australia batting line-up that saw Jess Jonassen – the spinning-allrounder who has previously opened the batting for her country and boasts a Test match 99 – slotting in at No.10.

But perhaps more importantly Australia will miss Gardner's power and ability to access unorthodox angles at the crease.

Match wrap: Aussies prevail in tense Ashes-opener

England opening bowler Anya Shrubsole was left bemused with the right-hander drove a length ball behind point from just her second delivery on Sunday, while both her sixes cleared the deep backward square leg rope, the first against seamer Nat Sciver's before swiveling on ace fast bowler Brunt.

"If it's in my zone I do try to swing hard," Gardner said after play on Sunday.

"That's what I do quite well is find the boundary pretty often.

"That's one thing in my game that is really positive. I know that if I do get bogged down a can generally find that boundary ball and I think today they probably bowled it in my slot quite a few times and I was lucky enough to find the boundary."

Australia assistant coach Tim Coyle says the sky's the limit for talented all-round package.

"She's got great instinct and she talks about it – she sees the ball and she hits the ball," Coyle told The Unplayable Podcast. "It's a really nice simple message.

"We need to continue the work fine-tuning … there will be days when she has to bat 50 balls because we need her to do it to win the game.

"When she gets her head around that and understands how to put an innings together, significant innings together in that middle-order area she'll be a complete player.

"Her off-spin is world-class; she spins the ball, she bounces the ball, she's got a couple of weapons there that not many female spinners have.

"A great all-round package, raw, but you love the way she plays instinctively."

Commonwealth Bank Women's Ashes

Australia lead England 2-0

Australia squad (ODI and Test): Rachael Haynes (C), Alex Blackwell (VC), Kristen Beams, Nicole Bolton, Lauren Cheatle, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Belinda Vakarewa (Test only), Elyse Villani, Amanda-Jade Wellington.

England squad: Heather Knight (c), Tammy Beaumont, Katherine Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone, Georgia Elwiss, Jenny Gunn, Alex Hartley, Danielle Hazell, Laura Marsh, Anya Shrubsole, Sarah Taylor, Nat Sciver, Fran Wilson, Lauren Winfield, Danielle Wyatt.

Schedule


First ODI Australia won by two wickets

Second ODI Coffs International Stadium, October 26

Third ODI Coffs International Stadium, October 29

Coffs Junior Cricket Association Partners: Coffs Harbour District JCA, Nambucca Bellingen JCA, and Clarence River JCA

Day-Night Test North Sydney Oval, November 9-12

First T20 North Sydney Oval, November 17

North Sydney Charity Partner: McGrath Foundation

Second T20 Manuka Oval, November 19

Third T20 Manuka Oval, November 21

Canberra Charity Partner: Lord's Taverners ACT