“We’re the best team in the world”: Ashleigh Gardner Ahead of India Series

Ashleigh Gardner believes Australia are still the best women’s team in the world, even after losing their T20 and ODI World Cup titles in the last year.

Speaking ahead of India women tour of Australia, Gardner sounded confident about Australia’s chances in the home series scheduled for February. The tour will feature three T20Is, three ODIs, and a one-off Test.

Gardner admitted that recent World Cups have tested Australia in ways they were not used to. She said the team was pushed into unfamiliar pressure situations and failed to win a few key moments when it mattered most.

“We’ve certainly been put under pressure recently. But I can still sit here confidently saying that we’re the best team in the world,” Gardner said.

Australia’s results over the last 12 to 18 months still show their overall dominance. They have lost only two matches in that period, both coming in World Cup semifinals. One defeat was against South Africa women’s cricket team in the T20 World Cup, and the other came against India women’s cricket team in the ODI World Cup.

Gardner accepted that India arrive in Australia with growing belief. India’s recent run, including their ODI World Cup semifinal win over Australia, has boosted their confidence.

“India’s going to come across with a lot of confidence, as they should. They’ve obviously played some really good cricket recently,” she said.

While Gardner feels home conditions will work in Australia’s favour, she made it clear the focus is now on improving the mental side of the game. She stressed that winning small moments under pressure can decide matches at the highest level.

“Just winning those small moments in those high-pressure situations, which, ultimately in a World Cup, when you’re playing in finals cricket, you need to be able to do,” Gardner explained.

She added that sharper decision-making and mental clarity will be key as Australia look to regain their aura of dominance.

“It’s making sure that we know the mental side of our game as well is in the best place that it can be,” she said.

The upcoming series against India is being seen as a major test. For Australia, it is a chance to respond after missing out on both white-ball world titles. For India, it is another step in proving they can challenge the best, even away from home.