Auckland, March 22 -- Australia key all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner has been ruled out of the remainder of the New Zealand tour after scans confirmed she fractured her right index finger
during the first T20I on Friday here, Cricket Australia announced.
Gardner left the field in the 17th over after injuring herself while attempting a return catch off her own bowling, with Sophie Devine striking the ball powerfully back at her. Australia's dominant top-order performance meant she was not required to bat in the chase.
She will now undergo further scans and seek specialist advice upon her return to Sydney.
In Gardner's absence, uncapped all-rounder Charli Knott has earned her maiden international
call-up ahead of the second T20I on March 23....