ICC Women's World Cup 2022: Huge blow to Australia after star player catches COVID-19

The ICC Women's World Cup 2022 is all set to start on March 4. Cricket fans across the globe are really hyped for this tournament. However, in what comes as sad news for the Australia team, Ashleigh Gardner has tested positive for COVID-19.

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As Cricket Australia confirmed this news, the all-rounder will unfortunately miss the team's first two fixtures of the mega event. While the Aussies are scheduled to play England on March 5, they shall be taking on Pakistan on March 8. Thus, these two games are really crucial for the six-time champions.

In the meanwhile, Cricket Australia have confirmed that the rest of the Australian cricketers returned with negative tests. They released a statement to convey the same, and stated that the team will travel to Hamilton in order to take part in their opening game of the tournament.

We haven’t relied on one or two players: Meg Lanning

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“All remaining Australian players and support staff have tested negative following subsequent RATs. (They) will proceed with existing plans to travel to Hamilton this evening ahead of the side’s opening match of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup against England on Saturday,” read Cricket Australia's statement. Thus, the Lanning-led side will have to play their first two matches without Gardner.

However, Australia's captain Meg Lanning was confident about her team doing good this time around. She felt that the Aussies haven't relied on just one or two players in the last few years. Further on, she added that they have a good depth in their squad.

“The biggest thing for us over the last few years is that we haven’t relied on one or two players, we’ve had some really good depth in our squad. You need a number of different players at times to step up and the depth we’ve got is something we’re going to need at this World Cup,” said Meg Lanning, as quoted by CricTracker.

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Australia squad for ICC Women's World Cup 2022:

Meg Lanning (C), Rachael Haynes (VC), Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Grace Harris, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Amanda-Jade Wellington

Reserves players: Heather Graham and Georgia Redmayne