Fractured finger puts Gardner out of remainder of New Zealand T20I series

Young batting allrounder Charli Knott has been called up for the last two games of the series

Ashleigh Gardner has been ruled out of the ongoing T20I series between New Zealand and Australia after it was confirmed that she fractured her right index finger. Cricket Australia announced on Saturday that Gardner will have more scans and consult with specialists before returning to Sydney.

In Gardner’s absence, Ellyse Perry will step in as the deputy to captain Tahlia McGrath. Charli Knott, a 22-year-old uncapped allrounder from Queensland, has been called up to replace Gardner for the remaining two matches of the series. The second match is scheduled for Sunday, and the final one will be on Wednesday.

Australia is currently leading the series 1-0 after winning the first match in Auckland on Friday. They won comfortably by eight wickets, chasing down 138 with 39 balls to spare. Gardner only bowled 2.2 overs during the match due to her injury.

Gardner hurt herself while bowling in the 17th over of New Zealand’s innings. She attempted to catch a shot from Sophie Devine but injured her finger in the process. The physio attended to her, and she left the field shortly after. Gardner didn’t bat in the chase, but it wasn’t needed as Beth Mooney (75* from 42 balls) and Georgia Voll (50 from 31 balls) guided Australia to victory.