AUS vs ENG: Fans erupt as Ashleigh Gardner lights up Bellerive Oval with maiden century in 3rd ODI | Women’s Ashes 2025
In what was described as one of the standout performances of the Women’s ODI Ashes series, Ashleigh Gardner achieved a significant milestone in her cricket career by scoring her maiden One Day International (ODI) in the third match of the 50-over format. The match was played at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart, where Gardner’s century not only showcased his talent but also helped Australia to a stunning total against England.
Ashleigh Gardner’s heroics lifted Australia to an incredible total
Australia, facing a challenging start at 4/59, found a savior in Gardner, who came in at number six. The New South Wales all-rounder played a key role in Australia’s innings, turning the game around with composed and aggressive batting. Gardner’s century came off 100 balls, including eight fours and one six, taking Australia to a daunting total of 308/8. This was not just a personal achievement, but a critical team effort as Australia looked to take the lead in the series.
Gardner’s first ODI century shows resilience and skill
Gardner was a master class in resilience and adaptability. Starting cautiously, she capitalized on all the loose deliveries from England’s bowlers, gradually increasing her scoring rate. Her innings was punctuated by well-timed shots through the backfield and powerful pulls when the ball was short. Her century was celebrated with an outpouring of support from the crowd and teammates, recognizing her maiden international hundred in her 77th ODI match.
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Contributions from Tahlia McGrath and Georgia Wareham boosted Australia’s total
Gardner was ably supported by other key players in the lineup. Notable contributions came from Tahlia McGrathwho added a crucial 55 runs, i Georgia Warehamwho finished the innings with an unbeaten 38 off just 12 balls, providing the final flourish to Australia’s total.
Here’s how Twitter responded:
GIRL TONE!!
Ash Gardner makes three figures for Australia for the first time, what a blow! #Ash #AUSvENG pic.twitter.com/fC3zeyQjy6
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 17, 2025
Ash Gardner brings up his maiden ODI century in Hobart 👏#AUSvENG | 📝 https://t.co/50bZ6iMjjQ pic.twitter.com/sEA1yJoLhI
— ICC (@ICC) January 17, 2025
Ash Gardner not only rescued Australia from a sticky situation with her maiden ODI century but also secured several records for herself #Ash pic.twitter.com/OAieW6tHD5
— चेतन मालूसरे. Chetan Malusare (@MalusareChetanS) January 17, 2025
Centuries for Ash Gardner.
Take a bow.
This is some modification. pic.twitter.com/Lnd5EcklfD— CricCrazy (@CricCrazeNep) January 17, 2025
Proud to be a member of the Ash Gardner fan club.
What a change.#Ash— Wealth Super Fund (@Edtechx) January 17, 2025
This must be demoralizing for England.
Australia were 4-59. They really should have never gone above 220ish.
Instead, the incredible partnership of Gardner-McGrath and some late knocks from Wareham took the total to 300.
The #Ash could be done before we change formats.
— Lachlan McKirdy (@LMcKirdy7) January 17, 2025
Just when you start thinking Aus may need to back off a bit and rethink their approach, they find Ash Gardner to come in and show that counter kicking will always be their route of choice. This is not a game for the faint of heart#JustKeepPunching #He won’t back down
— Ananya Upendran (@a_upendran11) January 17, 2025
Ash Gardner & Beth Mooney did a great job saving the innings.. but I have a feeling this will be the day Tahlia McGrath shows her true worth from the side on @abcsport
She was out of shape, but I believe she will make it an outstanding result!#Nice 7 #PERY 🏏
— Zane Bojack (@zanofc) January 17, 2025
Can Ash Gardner please stop being so good at cricket
— James Allan (@jamesallan163) January 17, 2025
https://twitter.com/_Frost_45/status/1880075695793320362
Ash Gardner’s 102 today is her first ODI century, surpassing her previous high of 74, and is the first century by any #6 player in ODIs (previous high: 90 Alex Blackwell and Pakistan’s Fatima Sana).
— Ric Finlay (@RicFinlay) January 17, 2025
Great edits from Ash Gardner 🙌🏻#Women’s ashes
— Kaustubh (@kaustubh_4579) January 17, 2025
Ash Gardner has never let Australia down. Always gets up when needed. #PepeoPeo #Ash
— Agamemnon Southam (@AlecSoutham) January 17, 2025
Highest international score for Ash Gardner. Great thing #Ash #AUSWvENGW
— Chris Cox (@CoxyJindas) January 17, 2025
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This article was first published on WomenCricket.comand Cricket times company.