Sixers youngster Ashleigh Gardner has been selected in the Governor General’s XI that will take on South Africa this weekend.
The Governor General's XI will also be Captained by the Sixers WBBL leader Ellyse Perry, with the game taking place 10:30am this Sunday at Drummoyne Oval in Sydney.
Gardner joins Perry, who was announced as Captain in September, along with 10 other players selected from across Australia.
Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove selected the 12-player squad along with Cricket Australia’s National Selection Panel to uncover some of Australia’s best talent ahead South Africa’s five One Day International series against the Southern Stars.
“Australian women cricketers are amongst the best in the world,” the Governor-General said.
“With a big summer of cricket ahead, this is an opportunity to see experienced and up-and-coming players test their mettle against the formidable South African team.”
Following the Governor General’s XI’s debut on the calendar last year, National Selector Shawn Flegler echoed the Governor-General’s words.
“The selectors are looking forward to seeing how the next generation of Australian cricketers fare against a strong South African side,” said Flegler.
“A number of players have started the season well in the WNCL, which is encouraging to see, and we hope that they continue to push for higher honours.”
During the current season of the Women’s National Cricket League, Gardner has a top score of 46 with the bat and best figures of 3/31 with the ball for the NSW Breakers.
It has been a breakout year for the 19-year-old after helping guide the Sixers to the inaugural WBBL final in January, hitting 213 runs in 14 innings across the tournament.
In May, Gardner captained the first ever indigenous women’s cricket team when they toured India and was selected in the Shooting Stars squad for the Brisbane camp in September.
The Governor-General’s XI will assemble in Sydney on Friday before they join the South African squad to attend a reception hosted by the Governor-General at Sydney’s Admiralty House on Saturday.
Entry to the Governor-General’s XI v South Africa match is free with play commencing at 10.30am, Sunday 13 November at Drummoyne Oval, Sydney.
Those unable to make it to the match can watch it live and free on www.cricket.com.au or via the Official Cricket Australia Live app.