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Aus top order will keep attacking: Gardner

3 minute read

Australia's misfiring top order won't change their attacking approach despite their women's T20 World Cup warm-up game against the West Indies being cancelled.

ELLYSE PERRY and ALYSSA HEALY.
ELLYSE PERRY and ALYSSA HEALY. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

Australia's misfiring top order won't change their attacking approach despite missing out on a chance to find form with a Twenty20 World Cup warm-up game against West Indies cancelled.

Persistent rain across Brisbane over the past few days has left Allan Border Field unplayable, with Saturday's match cancelled late on Friday.

Approximately 350mm has fallen on the ground in the past week and despite a sunny day on Friday, the ground was deemed unsuitable for the warm-up match to be held.

"Whilst the curators have worked tirelessly, the volume of rain has left us with no option but to cancel tomorrow's match," ICC head of events Chris Tetley said.

"We are hopeful that conditions will permit the matches between Bangladesh and Thailand, and India and Pakistan to take place on Sunday."

The cancellation is a blow to Australia's preparations with Brisbane having been a happy hunting ground for the team.

Alyssa Healy thumped an unbeaten hundred in a dominant Australian win at Allan Border Field four months ago, but returns on the back of just 15 runs in her past five T20 innings.

Gun duo Meg Lanning and Ellyse Perry averaged 19 and 18 respectively in that tri-series, with opener Beth Mooney (208 runs at 52) a shining light as they snuck home in the final against India on Wednesday.

Allrounder Ashleigh Gardner admitted Healy wasn't the only one searching for form ahead of their tournament opener on February 21, but going into their shells isn't the solution.

"There's a lot of improvement to be had in our top order. Beth's done really well but the batters around her haven't done amazingly," she said.

"But I don't think there's too much pressure put on the top order. We all play an attacking brand of cricket, especially myself and Midge (Healy) and when we shy away from our natural game that's when we don't do so well."

Australia will finalise their preparations with another trial game against South Africa in Adelaide on Tuesday.

Gardner became the first indigenous Australian woman to play in a World Cup at the 2017 50-over tournament but said one on home soil would be especially significant.

"It's going to be massive thing, it's almost a once in a career thing to play at a home World Cup," she said.

"I'm thankful to be here. To be the first ever indigenous female (to play a World Cup) is a big thing for me, and my family as well."

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