Australia’s T20I tour of New Zealand has hit a hurdle for the women’s team. All-rounder Ashleigh Gardner is out of the remaining series after a finger injury. Her replacement has been uncapped, talented Charli Knott, in response.
Ashleigh Gardner’s Injury
Gardner broke a finger during Australia’s eight-wicket win over New Zealand in Auckland. She was immediately taken off the field when she injured her finger while attempting a catch off her bowling. The injury was confirmed by subsequent scans and she was ruled out for the rest of the series.
Impact on the Team
Australia misses a considerable loss without Gardner. She is a known explosive batter and a good off-spinner and was a big part of the success Australia had in recent times. Her versatility keeps things in balance for the team and her experience helps younger players a great deal.
Charli Knott: The New Entrant
In turn, selectors have turned to 22-year-old Charli Knott to fill the void left by Gardner. Coming from Queensland, Knott has been making her presence felt in domestic cricket with her consistent showings.
Profile: Charli Knott
- Full Name: Charli Rae Knott
- Date of Birth: November 29, 2002
- Batting Style: Right-handed
- Bowling Style: Right-arm off-break
- Domestic Teams: Queensland Fire, Brisbane Heat, Wellington Blaze, Southern Vipers
Domestic Performance Highlights
In the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL), Knott’s recent form has been exceptional. Her stats are as follows:
2024-25 Season:
- Runs Scored: 542
- Batting Average: 54.2
- Wickets Taken: 12
- Bowling Average: 28.66
With her all-round capabilities, she adds depth to the batting as well as to the bowling.
Knott’s Career Statistics
| Format | Matches | Runs | Batting Average | Wickets | Bowling Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WLA | 64 | 1242 | 19.41 | 62 | 25.32 |
| WT20 | 74 | 911 | 12.31 | 46 | 22.11 |
Opportunity Ahead
Knott knows they are significant for his inclusion in the national squad and his own goal as a previous architect of the nation’s success. These are as follows:
- International Exposure: Gaining experience at the highest level.
- Clarification: She likes pressure situations, and indeed she thrives in them.
- Team Contribution: Providing balance with her all-around skills.
Conclusion
But Gardner’s injury will be sad to see as it means up-and-coming talents such as Knott can now step up. And to be such, you can understand why Australia is always ready to fight with young players willing to take on the challenge.
