Ashleigh Gardner has sounded a timely warning before the Women’s ODI World Cup. The Australian allrounder believes India are a huge threat in the tournament. Speaking on ESPNcricinfo’s Powerplay podcast, she reflected on her preparation and experiences.
She discussed the importance of fitness, the sensitive subject of body image, and the role of franchise cricket in shaping leaders. She also shared how players prepare mentally and physically for the longer format. Gardner’s words reveal how world-class athletes fine-tune their approach before the game’s biggest event, the World Cup.
India’s growing challenge in World Cricket
Gardner feels India are no longer an emerging team but a genuine contender. Their batting lineup has both depth and variety, giving them flexibility in high-pressure games. Players like Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur have proven they can dominate against top bowling attacks.
Gardner noted that even though Indian players were not part of the Hundred this year, their international form speaks volumes.
Australia will play an ODI series in India just before the World Cup. This will serve as an important benchmark for both sides. Unlike Australia, other teams will rely mostly on warm-up matches. Gardner’s assessment shows how seriously India are now taken in world cricket. Respect from rivals is often the clearest sign of progress.
The role of franchise cricket in preparation
According to Gardner, leagues like the Women’s Premier League (WPL) and the Hundred are more than just tournaments. They are modern scouting grounds where players learn by observing opponents closely. Even without Indian representation in the Hundred, Gardner pointed out that tactical insights can still be gathered.
Small observations—like batting tendencies, field setups, or bowling patterns—help teams prepare better. For players, it’s also a chance to test skills against varied conditions and styles. Gardner believes such tournaments allow professionals to face pressure situations regularly. That experience carries over when representing the national side.
Leagues also create leadership opportunities. Captains learn to manage diverse squads, while younger players grow in confidence. For Gardner, these chances are as valuable as training camps. They ensure that by the time the World Cup begins, most players already know what it feels like to compete under scrutiny.
Fitness demands of 50-over cricket
Gardner admitted the switch from shorter formats to 50-over cricket is not easy. In ODIs, players spend double the time on their feet. The intensity is different, requiring greater stamina and sharper concentration. She explained how training involves running, gym sessions, and recovery routines on top of match play.
Why ODI fitness matters?
The demands of the format mean players must balance workload carefully. Overtraining risks injury, while undertraining risks poor performance. Gardner underlined that staying physically fit is just as important as staying mentally sharp. For her, preparation for ODIs is about endurance, not just explosive performance.
Unlike T20s, ODIs often involve multiple spells for bowlers and long batting stints for batters. Fielders must maintain focus for hours. This combination makes the 50-over game the ultimate test of conditioning. Gardner’s words highlight why fitness will be a decisive factor at the World Cup.
Body image and nutrition in women’s cricket
One of the most powerful parts of Gardner’s interview focused on body image. She acknowledged the constant pressure female athletes face about appearance. Instead of worrying about public opinion, she said athletes should focus on nutrition that fuels performance.
A message for young athletes
“Fuelling well prevents injuries,” Gardner explained. She added that listening to the body’s needs is more important than counting calories or comparing with teammates. This honest perspective reflects a growing awareness of women’s sport. Athletes must prioritize health over stereotypes.
Gardner’s comments also serve as advice for aspiring cricketers. Building a strong, healthy body is more valuable than chasing an ideal look. As women’s cricket grows, such voices help break outdated myths. Her stance shows that success in sport is built on confidence, discipline, and the right mindset.
Leadership lessons from WPL and the Hundred
Gardner has developed as a leader through franchise cricket. She first led Gujarat Giants in the WPL and now captains Trent Rockets in the Hundred. Despite mixed results, she sees every challenge as a chance to improve.
Leading diverse squads has taught her to handle pressure and make tough calls. She admitted she is still learning but enjoys the responsibility. For Australia, where leadership succession is important, Gardner’s growth is significant. She could become one of the future leaders of the national side.
World Cups test decision-making under extreme pressure. Captains must adapt quickly to changing conditions and opposition strategies. Franchise cricket gives players like Gardner the stage to practice those skills. This experience could be invaluable when the World Cup reaches its decisive stages.
Australia’s World Cup mindset and preparation
Australia are known for meticulous planning before global tournaments. Gardner revealed that balancing training intensity with recovery is central to their approach. Each player has an individualized program to ensure peak fitness at the right time.
The squad also places heavy emphasis on mental resilience. Long tournaments test not just skills but focus and patience. Australia’s ability to prepare holistically is one reason it remains a dominant force in women’s cricket.
The mental side of preparation
Gardner also highlighted how mental readiness is as important as physical training. Players must learn to handle pressure crowds, high expectations, and changing match situations. Techniques like visualization and controlled breathing are now common in team environments.
This focus on mental strength ensures that players remain calm when games get tense. Gardner believes this balance between mind and body will separate champions from the rest.
Women’s cricket is on the rise globally
Beyond preparation, Gardner acknowledged how far women’s cricket has come. The rise of franchise leagues, growing crowds, and better broadcast coverage have changed the game’s status. More nations are investing in women’s programs, raising competition levels.
For players, this also means more responsibility. They must serve as role models while staying focused on performance. Gardner embraces this dual role, seeing it as part of women’s cricket’s exciting future.
Conclusion
Ashleigh Gardner’s reflections highlight the demands and opportunities of modern cricket. She respects India’s rising power, values franchise leagues as preparation tools, and understands the importance of fitness and nutrition.
Her honesty about body image and her growth as a leader make her insights even more valuable. As the Women’s ODI World Cup approaches, Gardner’s words underline that success depends on more than just skill. It requires resilience, discipline, and the right mindset.
Fans can expect India, Australia, and other top sides to deliver high-quality cricket. But with Gardner’s warning in mind, all eyes will be on India’s performance at the world stage.
