Ahead of a highly anticipated rematch, Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner has thrown down the gauntlet, insisting her team remains the best in the world despite India snatching victory from them in a dramatic World Cup semifinal last year. India's women's cricket team is set to embark on a full-fledged tour of Australia, marking the first clash between the two powerhouses since that fateful day.
The Stage is Set for a Blockbuster Tour
The Indian team will land in Australia for a multi-format series commencing on February 15. The tour will feature three T20 Internationals, three One-Day Internationals, and a historic Test match. This series carries extra weight as it serves as the first encounter since the 2025 ICC Women's World Cup semifinal, where India pulled off a stunning upset to knock the tournament favourites out of the competition.
Gardner's Confident Stance Amid Recent Setbacks
In a recent interview with cricket.com.au, the 28-year-old star, a veteran of multiple World Cup triumphs including the 2018, 2020, and 2023 T20 World Cups and the 2022 ODI World Cup, acknowledged India's rising threat but stood firm on Australia's pedigree. "We've certainly been put under pressure recently," Gardner admitted. "But I can still sit here confidently saying that we're the best team in the world."
She pointed to the team's remarkable consistency, noting that their few losses have come at the worst possible times. "Over the last 12 to 18 months, we've only lost about two games, and I think the two games that we lost were both in semifinals," Gardner explained. This includes the 2025 ODI World Cup exit and a semifinal defeat in the 2024 T20 World Cup. "It kind of shows the consistency of the group. It's just about putting those pieces together to hopefully win those trophies."
Home Advantage and Learning from Defeat
Gardner believes familiarity with home conditions will be a significant advantage for the Australian side. "They're also coming over to our conditions, which we know better than them," she said. However, she gave full credit to the Indian team's recent performances, recalling their challenge in an ODI series prior to the World Cup and their ultimate supremacy in the semifinal.
Reflecting on the high-pressure knockout losses, Gardner identified the key learning. "Just winning those small moments in those high-pressure situations, which, ultimately in a World Cup, when you're playing in finals cricket, you need to be able to do. And for us, we weren't able to do that," she conceded. "Sometimes when you're under pressure, maybe you make the wrong decision."
Despite the recent results, Gardner's message is clear: Australia is ready. "If they do challenge us, we know what to do in those moments as well," she asserted, setting the tone for what promises to be a fiercely competitive and emotionally charged series between the two cricketing giants.
