Having 2-0 up in the ongoing ODI series, and leading the multi-format Ashes, Australian Captain Alyssa Healy decided to field first under bright Hobart conditions. However, the top order faltered against the pacers inside the first powerplay, losing three wickets inside ten overs. With Annabel Sutherland following suit, Ashleigh Gardner and Beth Mooney’s 95-run stand laid the foundation for a 308-run total in the first innings. Like their counterparts, England lost early wickets before Tammy Beaumont and Nat Sciver-Brunt’s fifties stabilized the stage. However, wrist spin and excellent fielding in the middle overs phase further dented their hopes with Gardner’s balletic catch being the highlight.
With the score reading 214/7 in 40 overs, Alana King continued with the ball and sprayed a fuller one at the stumps to Sophie Ecclestone on the third ball of the 41st. The right-hander reacted with a slog sweep off the front foot and almost got rewarded until Gardner’s meticulous effort near the boundary ropes. The all-rounder, who smacked a ton earlier on the day, misjudged the ball’s projection initially but managed to throw the ball up, within the radar, despite a juggling effort. She stepped outside the ring due to the backward momentum but returned with a dive and grasped the ball near her abdomen to complete the catch.
AN ALL-TIME CATCH FROM ASH GARDNER 😍 pic.twitter.com/BeNYKOzeO5
— Cricket on TNT Sports (@cricketontnt) January 17, 2025
