In an unprecedented accomplishment, Australia’s exceptional all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner secures the prestigious ICC Women’s Player of the Month Award for the second consecutive month. Garnering this honor for the fourth time, Gardner’s prowess shines through as she outshines fellow all-rounders Ellyse Perry and Nat Sciver-Brunt.
Reflecting on her remarkable achievement, Gardner shares, “Winning the ICC Player of the Month for July is a tremendous honor, especially as the first player to clinch back-to-back awards. Amid the Women’s Ashes and the Ireland tour, I’m immensely proud of the Australian team’s achievements. Personally, it’s gratifying to have delivered consistent performances with both bat and ball throughout this period.”
Gardner’s contributions during the T20I leg of the Ashes were pivotal. While she recorded scores of 31 and 32 in the series’ first and final matches, she also showcased her bowling mettle by claiming two wickets in the second T20I.
Transitioning to the ODI series, Gardner’s impact continued to reverberate. Demonstrating her multifaceted talent, the 26-year-old excelled in both batting and bowling across each match. Notably, she captured three wickets in every game and contributed a total of 95 runs during the ODI leg of the tour.
A standout performance emerged during the second ODI, as Australia clinched the Ashes victory. Gardner’s dual role as a potent batter and bowler was evident as she scored 21 off 24 and followed up with a commanding bowling display of 3/54. Her timely strikes in the 38th over tilted the balance in Australia’s favor, leading to a thrilling three-run win.
Post the Women’s Ashes, Gardner’s prowess continued to shine during the Ireland series. In the second ODI, she achieved her second-highest individual score of 65, adding to her repertoire of five half-centuries in the format. Garnering attention with her bowling finesse, Gardner secured three wickets in the third match, culminating in Australia’s 2-0 series victory. This sterling performance earned her the coveted Player of the Series distinction.
Throughout the month, Gardner’s dynamic skills amassed an impressive tally of 232 runs and 15 wickets across eight ODI and T20I matches. Her versatile abilities reaffirm her status as one of the finest all-rounders in the realm of cricket, showcasing her unwavering commitment and exceptional talent.
