Ashleigh Gardner has taken the most wickets by an Australian woman in a Test innings and match in history to lead her side to an 89-run victory in the sole Women's Ashes Test.
Gardner took eight wickets in the fourth innings, and 12 wickets in the match, as Australia began its Ashes campaign in spectacular fashion, snapping up the full four points available before lunch on day five.
The dangerous off-spinner captured 4-99 in the second innings and 8-66 in the fourth, sealing victory for the Australians when she trapped Danni Wyatt lbw.
Gardner's 8-66 marks the second-best Test innings figures by a woman in history, behind Indian Neetu David's 8-53 against England in Jamshedpur in 1995.
"I wouldn't have dreamt of it, to be honest, but I guess it just shows having five days in a Test match to get a result is super important," said Gardner, who also made 40 runs in Australia's first dig.
"I guess there was a little bit of luck involved with the conditions out there, but I think as a whole bowling unit we bowled really well throughout and just tried to bowl in partnerships, and I guess I was the lucky one to come away with the wickets."
Gardner explained how she dealt with, and thrived on, a pitch that played tricks late in the match.
"As a bowling unit we just said to keep the stumps in play as often as possible," said the 26-year-old.
"I think the English bowlers showed that.
"Balls were bouncing, balls were rolling.
"It was just about keeping the stumps in play to keep all modes of dismissal in.
"Thankfully for me, some kept low, some turned, most of mine didn't turn, so that was quite a challenge, as well.
"But it was just awesome to be able to put a performance on for the team."
MORE TO COME.
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