The Australian ODI team has been dealt a devastating blow, losing star allrounder Ashleigh Garnder just days before the ODI World Cup begins in New Zealand this weekend.
Gardner tested positive for COVID-19, which means that she must now isolate for 10 days in accordance with the New Zealand government health protocols.
This means that Gardner will miss at least Australia’s first two games, against England on Saturday, and Pakistan on Tuesday.
Australia has already begun looking for replacements for Gardner for the two games, with possible prospects including Annabel Sutherland and Grace Harris.
ICC officials last week confirmed that teams could move ahead with just nine players in case of emergency, and that female team support staff could even be brought in to field, as the tournament looks to stay afloat in the face of a possible outbreak.
The Australians will be hoping that it does not come to this, and are expecting Gardner back for the team’s third match against New Zealand on March 13th, the day after the allrounder is expected to be released from isolation.
If released then, she will still be eligible to play in Australia’s final five pool games, as well as any finals.
According to a statement from Cricket Australia, Gardner has been the only player affected thus far.
“All remaining Australian players and support staff have tested negative following subsequent RATs,” CA said.
“(They) will proceed with existing plans to travel to Hamilton this evening ahead of the side’s opening match of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup against England on Saturday.”
The World Cup officially begins this Friday, with New Zealand taking on West Indies after it was postponed in 2021.
