Australia's star allrounder Ashleigh Gardner has been ruled out of the remainder of the T20I series against New Zealand after fracturing her right index finger

Australia will have to do without Ashleigh Gardner for the remainder of the T20I series against New Zealand, as her right index finger injury has been confirmed as a fracture. Next Steps for Gardner Cricket Australia has stated that Gardner will return to Sydney for further scans and specialist consultation to determine the extent of the injury and her recovery timeline. Squad Changes Ellyse Perry will take over as vice-captain in Gardner’s absence. Charli Knott, an uncapped 22-year-old batting allrounder from Queensland, has been drafted into the squad for the remaining two T20Is. Series Outlook Australia lead 1-0 after their commanding eight-wicket win in Auckland. The second T20I will be played in Mount Maunganui on Sunday (March 17), followed by the final match in Wellington on Wednesday (March 20). Gardner’s injury is a blow to Australia, but with Beth Mooney and Georgia Voll in top form, and a well-balanced bowling attack, they remain strong contenders to seal the series.