Ashleigh Gardner Wins Back-to-Back ICC Women’s Player of the Month Awards

Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner continues to shine on the global stage, securing the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for the second consecutive time. This impressive feat marks her fourth overall win of the coveted monthly accolade, solidifying her reputation as one of cricket’s premier all-rounders. Gardner’s exceptional performances outshone fellow contenders Ellyse Perry and Nat Sciver-Brunt to claim the title.

Gardner delighted at her achievement 

In response to her remarkable achievement, Gardner expressed her gratitude and excitement, stating, “It’s a great honour to win the ICC Player of the Month for July and particularly to become the first player to win back-to-back awards.” 

Gardner further elaborated, “It’s been a really hectic time over with the Women’s Ashes and the tour of Ireland and I’m really pleased with what the Australian team has achieved. From a personal perspective, it’s also been pleasing I’ve been able to put in some really consistent performances with bat and ball over that period.” 

Gardner played a pivotal role during the Women’s Ashes 

Her contributions during the Women’s Ashes series were instrumental in Australia’s success. In the T20I matches, Gardner’s batting prowess was evident as she notched scores of 31 and 32 in the first and final encounters, respectively. While she remained wicketless in these games, the second T20I saw her shine with the ball, claiming two crucial wickets. 

Transitioning to the ODI series, Gardner continued to make her mark. Displaying her dual capabilities, she showcased both batting and bowling excellence. The 26-year-old consistently picked up three wickets in each match, amassing a total of 95 runs across the ODI leg of the tour. Notably, Gardner’s standout performance came during the second ODI, where her contributions were pivotal to Australia securing the Ashes victory. She contributed 21 runs with the bat and then delivered an impressive bowling spell of 3/54, with two crucial wickets in the 38th over, ultimately leading Australia to a thrilling three-run win. 

Gardner’s month of excellence 

The Ireland series that followed the Women’s Ashes witnessed Gardner’s undeniable skill yet again. She achieved her second-highest individual score of 65 in the second ODI, accompanied by her valuable contribution of three wickets in the third match. These performances led Australia to a series victory, and Gardner was justly awarded the Player of the Series accolade. 

Throughout the month, Gardner’s combined efforts yielded 232 runs and 15 wickets across eight ODI and T20I matches. Her ability to consistently excel with both bat and ball solidifies her reputation as one of the finest all-rounders in the game’s history. 

As she looks ahead, Gardner eagerly anticipates the upcoming cricketing engagements, including the West Indies and South Africa tours, along with her return to the Sydney Sixers in the WBBL. With her exceptional skills and unwavering dedication, Ashleigh Gardner continues to elevate women’s cricket and inspire athletes worldwide.

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