Ashleigh Gardner etched her name into cricketing history with her maiden ODI century, a remarkable feat that showcased her resilience and determination. Batting at No. 6, she became only the second woman to achieve this milestone from that position in ODIs. Her knock was pivotal in steering Australia to a dominant position against England in the Ashes.
The Journey to the Landmark
Gardner’s previous best score for Australia was 93, achieved in a T20I against India in 2020. In Hobart, she surpassed that, scoring a sensational century under immense pressure. Walking in at 59 for 4, Gardner displayed nerves of steel and built crucial partnerships:
- With Beth Mooney: A steady 95-run stand that stabilized the innings.
- With Tahlia McGrath: A game-changing 103-run partnership off just 83 balls.
In the 45th over, Gardner was on 90 and faced England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt. Taking advantage of consecutive loose deliveries, she quickly moved to 99 before smashing a pull shot through square leg to reach the magical three-figure mark.
“I’ve played a lot of international games and haven’t quite made that mark. To finally reach it was emotional and something I’m really proud of,” Gardner said after her innings.
Strategic Brilliance and Pressure Play
Gardner’s approach to handling England’s premier spinner Sophie Ecclestone was a masterclass in counterattacking cricket. Scoring 24 off 29 balls against Ecclestone, Gardner disrupted her rhythm, making it one of the spinner’s most expensive ODI outings.
“I tried to put pressure back on Ecclestone, which sometimes worked and sometimes didn’t. But it made her change her game, which was the goal,” Gardner explained.
Her ability to balance aggression with composure was evident throughout the innings, supported by McGrath’s clinical batting. Together, they propelled Australia to a formidable total of over 300 runs.
Turning the Tables with Fielding
Gardner didn’t just shine with the bat. She delivered a spectacular boundary catch to dismiss Sophie Ecclestone, a moment that underlined her all-round brilliance.
“It’s one of those instinctive moments where everything falls into place. I didn’t mean for it to look dramatic, but I’ll take it!” Gardner quipped about the catch.
A Step Closer to Ashes Glory
With Australia needing just two more points to retain the Ashes, Gardner’s century played a crucial role in securing the ODI series. Reflecting on the team’s performance, she emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum.
“England’s strength lies in T20s, but we’re carrying a lot of confidence. The way we’ve performed in the ODIs shows our determination to stay on top,” she said.
FAQs
Q1. How significant is Ashleigh Gardner’s maiden ODI century?
Gardner’s century is a historic milestone, as she became only the second woman to score an ODI hundred batting at No. 6 or lower.
Q2. What were the key partnerships in Gardner’s innings?
She built two critical partnerships: 95 runs with Beth Mooney and 103 runs with Tahlia McGrath.
Q3. How did Gardner tackle Sophie Ecclestone?
Gardner adopted a proactive approach, scoring 24 off Ecclestone’s bowling and disrupting her rhythm.
Q4. What’s next for Australia in the Ashes?
With the ODI series in the bag, Australia is focusing on the T20s to secure the Ashes outright.
Ashleigh Gardner’s maiden ODI century wasn’t just a personal triumph; it was a testament to Australia’s dominance in women’s cricket. Her all-round performance has set the stage for what promises to be an exciting continuation of the Ashes series.
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