Australia’s renowned all-rounder becomes the pioneering athlete, irrespective of gender, to clinch the ICC Player of the Month distinction in two successive months.
Ashleigh Gardner is currently in impeccable form, having clinched the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for the subsequent month. This marks Gardner’s fourth receipt of the esteemed monthly accolade, surpassing fellow all-rounders Ellyse Perry and Nat Sciver-Brunt.
I’m truly humbled to receive the ICC Player of the Month for July, and it’s a unique feeling to be the inaugural recipient of back-to-back distinctions,” expressed Gardner about her milestone.
Considering the intensity of the Women’s Ashes and the Irish tour, I’m truly content with the Australian squad’s accomplishments.
From an individual standpoint, it’s rewarding that I could consistently deliver with both bat and ball during this span.
The recent Ashes series underlined the escalating standards of women’s cricket, which constantly poses fresh challenges.
I eagerly anticipate the approaching season, especially with West Indies and South Africa touring, and reconnecting with the Sydney Sixers in the WBBL.
Gardner’s Stellar Contributions | CWC22
During the T20I segment of the Ashes, Gardner demonstrated key performances, batting scores of 31 and 32 in the inaugural and concluding games, though she couldn’t clinch any wickets. However, in the second T20I, she managed to secure two wickets.
Transitioning to the ODIs, every match witnessed Gardner’s significant influence, establishing her skills in both batting and bowling arenas. In every game, the 26-year-old secured three wickets and aggregated 95 runs over the ODI series.
Highlighting Gardner’s Accomplishments | Women’s T20WC 2023
The Ashes trophy was sealed by Australia in the second ODI, a match where Gardner’s prowess was evident. She initially notched up 21 runs from 24 deliveries and later showcased commendable bowling figures of 3/54. Impressively, a pair of her wickets in the 38th over disrupted England’s flow, paving the way for Australia’s slim three-run triumph.
Post the Women’s Ashes, in the Ireland series, Gardner recorded an admirable score of 65 during the second ODI, marking her fifth 50-run milestone in this format. In the concluding match, she snatched three wickets, ensuring Australia’s 2-0 series win. The Player of the Series accolade was rightfully awarded to Gardner.
Over the course of July, Gardner accumulated a whopping 232 runs and bagged 15 wickets throughout her eight ODI and T20I appearances, further cementing her reputation as one of cricket’s finest all-round talents.
