Australia allrounder Ashleigh Gardner will lead the Governor-General's XI in their 50-over match against Pakistan
Gardner named to lead Governor-General's XI
Ashleigh Gardner will have the opportunity to test her leadership credentials against an international side, with the allrounder named captain of the Governor-General’s XI set to play Pakistan in a 50-over match on Friday.
The Governor-General’s XI match – inspired by the annual Prime Minister’s XI game – is a traditional fixture in the calendar and returns for the first time since the pandemic to pit some of Australia’s finest young and experienced talent against a touring team.
Gardner took on the vice-captaincy of the Sydney Sixers prior to an outstanding Weber WBBL|08 campaign, and despite not having an official leadership title within the Australian team, has regularly spoken about taking on more responsibilities as a senior player within the team.
Meanwhile, injuries and ailments have seen several changes to the squad for Friday’s one-off fixture.
Rachel Trenaman has been sidelined by a knee injury sustained playing a WNCL match for Tasmania earlier this month, while Tess Flintoff’s comeback from a shoulder injury has been interrupted by a quadricep injury sustained during Victoria’s WNCL clash with New South Wales.
Lauren Cheatle (concussion) and Tahlia Wilson (Covid) will also miss the fixture, with Erin Burns, Nicole Faltum, Nicola Hancock and Kate Peterson rewarded for strong domestic form with call-ups to the first Governor General’s XI match since February 2020.
Heather Graham, who is in Australia's T20 squad, has a minor back complaint but is expected to be available for Australia's T20s against Pakistan.
Governer General’s XI Squad: Able Seaman Charlee Masters, Ashleigh Gardner (c), Erin Burns, Nicole Faltum, Nicola Hancock, Ellie Johnston, Charli Knott, Phoebe Litchfield, Kate Peterson, Courtney Sippel, Georgia Voll, Amanda-Jade Wellington
Pakistan Squad: Bismah Maroof (c), Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Naseem, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Ghulam Fatima, Kainat Imtiaz, Muneeba Ali (wk), Nashra Sandhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (wk)
Gardner said she can't wait to lead the side out and is ready to relish the opportunity for extra responsibility.
“The Governor-General’s fixture is always an exciting one with some of Australia’s most exciting young talent on show, and this year will be no different," Gardner said.
“It’s an honour to be named captain and I look forward to leading the side against Pakistan; a team that’s really started to evolve and show what they’re capable of.”
Australia’s national selector Shawn Flegler said the opportunity to lead the side would provide Gardner with valuable leadership experience.
“Over the last few years, Ash has grown into a strong leader, both on and off the field, so it’s pleasing to see her given this opportunity,” Flegler said in a statement.
“We’re always looking for opportunities to develop future leaders and this fixture will give Ash the opportunity to lead a young side, but also one with plenty of international experience, which means she’ll be well supported.”
Gardner will start the 2023 season in red hot form after a remarkable finish to 2022 that was rewarded with her ascension to the top of the ICC T20I allrounder rankings.
The 25-year-old nailed her role in the middle-order during Australia’s recent T20I series victory against India, and was equally impressive with the ball to be named Player of the Series after scoring 115 runs at a strike rate of 166.6 plus taking seven wickets at an average of 18.28.
The Governor-General's XI match will begin at 10:05am local Brisbane time on January 13 at Allan Border Field with free entry for fans. It will also be broadcast live on Fox Cricket via Foxtel and Kayo.
CommBank ODI Series
Monday Jan 16:Allan Border Field, Brisbane 10:05am
Wednesday Jan 18:Allan Border Field, Brisbane 10:05am
Saturday Jan 21:North Sydney Oval, 11:05am
Buy #AUSvPAK ODI tickets here
Australia ODI squad: Meg Lanning (c), Tahlia McGrath (vc), Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland
Pakistan ODI squad: Bismah Maroof (c), Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Naseem, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Ghulam Fatima, Kainat Imtiaz, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sandhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz