Temporary replacement named for Gardner in Australia's World Cup squad

The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 Event Technical Committee has approved Heather Graham as a temporary replacement for Ashleigh Gardner in the Australia squad, after Gardner tested positive for Covid-19.

An all-rounder by trade, Graham played her one and only international match in 2019 against Sri Lanka, where she picked up a wicket in eight overs, giving away only 29.

Gardner tested positive for COVID 19 on March 3. She is currently undergoing isolation for 10 days in line with ICC and New Zealand Government Health guidelines.

A COVID replacement can be temporary, in that once the player has recovered, she would be eligible to return to the squad in place of the travelling reserve that replaced her.

Australia have made a winning start to their World Cup campaign with a 12-run win over England in their opening game on Saturday.

They put on a daunting total of 310 on the back of a century from Rachael Haynes and a brilliant knock of 86 from Meg Lanning. They then restricted England to 298, with Alana King picking up three wickets in a brilliant display of spin bowling.

They will next face Pakistan tomorrow on Tuesday, 8 March in Mount Maunganui.