Australia's women's cricket team may rest star all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner for the third and final T20 International against New Zealand in Auckland on Sunday, March 23, 2026. The team is considering squad rotation after securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
Gardner, who has been a key player for Australia, is reportedly "under a cloud" with minor soreness, prompting the team management to consider giving her a break. Coach Shelley Nitschke indicated that with the series already won, it is an opportunity to manage player workloads and test the squad's depth ahead of future commitments.
Potential changes could see all-rounder Heather Graham or spinner Sophie Molineux come into the playing XI. The final match at Eden Park serves as a chance for other players to stake their claim before the team departs for a tour of India later in the year.
