Australia all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner stated that her team sees England left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone as a threat ahead of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup final at Hagley Oval on Sunday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ecclestone, who is currently ranked number one in T20I and ODI standings, scalped career-best figures of 6\/36 as England defeated South Africa by 137 runs in the second semifinal at Hagley Oval on Thursday. The 22-year-old is currently the leading wicket-taker of the tournament with 20 wickets at an average of 12.85 and economy rate of 3.40.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Though Ecclestone conceded 77 runs in her 10 overs during their tournament opener against Australia at Hamilton, Gardner is aware of what the left-arm spinner can do in New Zealand conditions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"She's the number one bowler for a reason. She's a fantastic left-arm off-spinner and she's quite a tall bowler so she gets a lot more bounce," Gardner said on SEN 1170 Breakfast show.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Gardner further explained how Australia can't take Ecclestone lightly. "On spin-friendly wickets, she can get the odd one to turn as well. She's certainly a bowler we see as a threat. That's someone that we don't want to just give wickets to. Our batters played her so fantastically in the first game when she went 0\/70. Keeping her quiet for the game is probably our best option."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In the World Cup, Australia have been undefeated and face an England side against whom they won the multi-format women's Ashes 12-4 just before the showpiece event. But the six-time champions are still on the edge of their seats due to star all-rounder Ellyse Perry's availability for the final. Perry missed the final league match against Bangladesh and semifinal against the West Indies due to back issues.<\/p>\r\n\r\n