Unbeaten Australia happy to stay patient with injured duo
Ash Gardner may return to face Netherlands, while Phoebe Litchfield will miss two more matches.
Australia captain Sophie Molineux has revealed her side will not rush injured pair Ash Gardner and Phoebe Litchfield back from injury at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup.
The duo were notable absentees as the six-time T20 World Cup champions made it two from two at this year's event with an emphatic nine-wicket victory over Bangladesh in Leeds on Wednesday, with the side now travelling down to Southampton ahead of their next fixture against the Netherlands on Saturday.
Australia stamp their authority with a dominant victory | Match Highlights | Women's T20WC 2026
Australia make a statement with a comprehensive nine-wicket victory over Bangladesh at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup.
While Litchfield has already been ruled out of that contest and the Aussies' fixture against Pakistan that follows due to her quad injury, Molineux suggested there was some chance that Gardner could return in time to tackle the Dutch at the Hampshire Bowl.
"Ash is looking good. I think she's getting better every day," Molineux said after the win over Bangladesh.
"It was just a small strain or sprain in her ankle, just a tiny one.
"So I think she's getting better every day, and we'll assess once we get to Southampton and see what things are looking like for that next game."
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0617 PEZ and GARTH 16x9.mp4 (2026-06-17 15:18:05Z)
With Gardner and Litchfield watching on the Aussies decided to recall hard-hitting batter Grace Harris and veteran pacer Megan Schutt to take on Bangladesh, though the returning pair were outshone by Ellyse Perry as the experienced all-rounder delivered with bat and ball to be adjudged the Player of the Match.
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While Molineux admitted she would have liked to have given more of her squad opportunities against Bangladesh, she has faith that any player within Australia's group of 15 can deliver at any stage of the tournament.
"It's probably a reflection about our depth and the trust that we have in, all 15 players that are over here," Molinuex added.
"And, things pop up during tournaments, during World Cups, and I think the squad that we've got, they're fully aware that that can happen, and I think everyone's ready.
"So it was really pleasing to see that today with a few changes and to be able to play like that.
"One goes out and another one steps up. So yeah, that's what we've really emphasised with our whole squad, is being able to play the role that's required for the team."