Ash Gardner says Australian batters will lift in India ODIs

An Australian star says the side expects different conditions in the limited overs games against India as it looks to avenge a big Test defeat.

Ed Bourke

@edbourke6

2 min read

December 27, 2023 - 3:21PM

NCA NewsWire

Cricket

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Australia’s batters “won’t shy away from” an aggressive approach to the one-dayers against India as Ash Gardner says they can continue their dominance in the shorter formats.

An eight-wicket Test defeat in Mumbai last week after a middling Ashes campaign underscored how their rivals have closed the gap on Australia, but Gardner said the Australians were in high spirits and determined to turn the tables on India in the limited overs games on an unusual Christmas tour.

Gardner said a first festive season abroad for many of the touring party had been enjoyable rather than a daunting experience.

A Mumbai Christmas! ðŸŽ„

Thanks to our Aussie friends, family and fans for all the love and support ðŸ¥° pic.twitter.com/RwbPOE8U1c
â€” Australian Women's Cricket Team ðŸ (@AusWomenCricket) December 26, 2023

“It was obviously a little bit different but just as special I think – we’ve spent so much time away from our family and friends, it’s almost like we’re with family and friends still being within this team,” she said.

“CA did a really good job in making sure that our day was really special, and there were family and partners that came over as well.

“It was a nice day to be able to relax and forget about cricket for a while.”

The all-rounder, who bowled a game-high 50 overs in the Mumbai Test for match figures of 5-118, said she didn’t expect the same level of turn and variable bounce for the three ODIs at the same venue.

All-rounder Ash Gardner’s off-spin bowling has become Australia’s biggest weapon in Test cricket during 2023. She claimed five wickets for the match in the Mumbai loss. Picture: Pankaj Nangia / Getty Images

The white-ball losses to England in the Ashes prompted Australia’s leaders to focus on a more aggressive approach with the bat, and Gardner said the difficult batting conditions at Wankhede Stadium for the Test match would not dissuade them from attacking.

“You don’t necessarily get the ball turning or the ball staying extremely low like it did throughout the Test match,” she said.

“In the white-ball stuff, conditions normally lean towards taking the aggressive option, and I know that’s certainly what we’re going to do.

“We know that it’s going to be pretty good to bat on … I guess it’s being really positive with our intent – I think that’s going to be the most important thing.”

Gardner said the Test result was a reflection of Australia “still learning” the format and suggested they could still maintain an edge over India in the shorter formats.

Gardner says Beth Mooney (right) will have no issue brushing aside her involvement in two run-outs during the Test match leading into the limited overs series. Picture: Pankaj Nangia / Getty Images

“We’ve been so dominant and so successful in these formats for a long time, so it’s certainly not something we’re going to shy away from,” she said.

She said teammate Beth Mooney had easily been able to sweep aside the disappointment of her second innings dismissal in the Test after being run-out by a close catcher when she wandered out of her crease in a momentary lapse of concentration.

“She’s a legend, she’s super calm and she probably doesn’t think about that stuff too much,” Gardner said.

“It’s unfortunate to get out those type of ways in a Test match, you certainly don’t want to have run-outs within Test match cricket, but sometimes those things happen.

“It doesn’t take much to come back from, and Moons is one of those people who tends not to dwindle on those things. She’s quite a positive person as well, so I’m sure she’s not going to think about that going into these next few games.”