Australia women aim for dominance in Brisbane before Dubai T20 defense

Australia's women's cricket team has made significant adjustments ahead of their T20 World Cup title defense in Dubai. Following a concerning incident involving Ashleigh Gardner during a warm-up drill, the team has decided to eliminate the 'Vortex' pre-game activity that led to her injury. Gardner, who initially feared a concussion after colliding with a teammate, returned to the field with a strong performance, helping her team secure a 29-run victory over New Zealand in Mackay. In the match, captain Alyssa Healy chose to bat first, aiming to set a competitive total. Despite a promising start, the team faced a dramatic collapse, losing their last seven wickets for just 28 runs, with Amelia Kerr achieving career-best bowling figures. The final score of 142 was sufficient due to the effectiveness of Australia's bowling unit. Gardner expressed a desire for improvement in their upcoming match in Brisbane, emphasizing the need to maximize their batting potential. She highlighted the depth of the batting lineup, noting that Annabel Sutherland, batting at number eight, exemplifies their strength. The team is preparing for unfamiliar conditions in Dubai, where they have not played before, and Gardner is confident in their ability to defend a total of 140 runs. As the team gears up for their final game before heading to the UAE, they are focused on refining their performance and ensuring they are fully prepared for the challenges ahead. The adjustments made in their pre-game routine reflect their commitment to maintaining player safety and enhancing their competitive edge.