Ashleigh Gardner's powerful half-century in Malaysia bodes well as the Australians switch their attention to the World T20
Gardner's knock an ominous WT20 sign
Ashleigh Gardner’s breakthrough international half-century is an ominous sign for Australia's opponents as attention switches back to the 20-over game and the impending World T20.
In Monday’s third and final ODI against Pakistan in Malaysia, Gardner struck a 37-ball 62no batting at No.7, embracing an opportunity to come in during the final 10 overs and let loose.
Given the explosive allrounder bats at No.3 in the shortest form of the game, it was an ideal way to prepare for the switch in formats and the tournament ahead.
“It was obviously really good to seal the series three-nil and I was fortunate enough to score some runs and take some wickets,” Gardner said following the series whitewash.
“When I got out there, there were only 10 overs to go so I just got to play my own natural game and luckily for it came off.
“I had 10 overs, and six balls I think is long enough (to get in). The shorter amount of time you’re out there, the less balls you get so it’s just finding the middle early in your innings.”
Gardner’s highest score in her 14 T20Is to date is 33, scored from 20 balls against England in Mumbai in March, but the Australians will hope her ODI performance provides a confidence boost ahead of the World T20 beginning November 9.
This is special 💛💚A day Tayla Vlaeminck will never forget with a touching message from home and some lovely words from our very own @EllysePerry #WATCHME pic.twitter.com/3x4YAgDXFi— Australian Women's Cricket Team 🏏 (@SouthernStars) October 23, 2018
But before they head to the Caribbean, Australia will first meet Pakistan in a three-match T20I series, also in Kuala Lumpur.
It’s their final chance to fine-tune before they depart for next month’s ICC tournament in the West Indies , while their grip on the No.1 spot in the ICC rankings is also at stake.
“I don’t think for our team (approach) really changes a lot,” Gardner said of the change in formats.
“The way we play, the brand of cricket, it’s quite fearless and I don’t think we shy away from that too much either with 50-over cricket or T20.
“I don’t think there’s much of a change in focus to what we do, there’s less balls to face but it’s just about playing that attacking cricket that we’re best at.”
Gardner’s knock and a powerful 97 from opener Alyssa Healy saw Australia to 7-324 on Monday, while Meg Lanning posted a century and Rachael Haynes a rapid-fire fifty in the second match.
Elyse Villani, who didn’t play in the ODI series, will further strengthen Australia’s batting stocks for the 20-over matches.
In the bowling stakes, Delissa Kimmince is an option to come into the T20 XI, while Tayla Vlaeminck displayed plenty of pace in her international debut on Monday.
“It’s awesome,” Gardner said of Australia’s depth. “I think we showed what we can do against New Zealand not that long ago and going into a World Cup we have so much experience and wealth in our team.”
The Pakistan Cricket Board will provide a live stream of all three T20I matches, while live scores will be available on cricket.com.au and the CA Live app.
CommBank Tour of Malaysia
Australia ODI squad: Meg Lanning (c), Rachael Haynes (vc), Nicole Bolton, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy (wk), Delissa Kimmince, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Elyse Villani, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham
Australia T20 & World T20 squad: Meg Lanning (c), Rachael Haynes (vc), Nicole Bolton, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy (wk), Jess Jonassen (subject to fitness), Delissa Kimmince, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Elyse Villani, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham
Pakistan ODI/T20 squad: Javeria Khan (c), Bibi Nahida, Ayesha Zafar, Muneeba Ali Siddiqui, Sidra Amin, Omaima Sohail, Nida Rashid, Sidra Nawaz, Sana Mir, Nashra Sundhu, Anum Amin, Natalia Parvaiz, Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Aiman Anwar
October 18: Australia won the first ODI by five wickets
October 20: Australia won the second ODI by 150 runs
October 22: Australia won the third ODI by 89 runs
October 25: First T20I v Pakistan, Kinrara Academy Oval
October 27: Second T20I v Pakistan, Kinrara Academy Oval
October 29: Third T20I v Pakistan, Kinrara Academy Oval
2018 ICC Women's World T20
November 9: Australia v Pakistan, Province Stadium, Guyana
November 11: Australia v Ireland, Province Stadium
November 13: Australia v New Zealand, Province Stadium
November 17: Australia v India, Province Stadium
November 22: Semi-finals, Sir Vivian Richards Ground, Antigua
November 24: Final, Sir Vivian Richards Ground