Asked if she felt Australia would lift a fourth straight Twenty20 crown in the same stadium a week on Sunday, Gardner was adamant: “Definitely. I think it’s just believing in each other, believing in yourself, and just backing our strengths.

“We’ve just got each other’s backs and we celebrate each other’s success which, ultimately, in a team sport, is a massive help.”

Vlaeminck’s latest injury, after previously having her potentially brilliant career interrupted by knee, foot and shoulder injuries, left her teammates particularly saddened as they all knew how hard the 25-year-old had worked to get back to full fitness.

“It’s obviously horrible seeing one of your mates go down and knowing Tay’s road to get back to here. She’s someone that probably works harder than anyone else I know,” said Gardner.

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“So we all really felt for her. There were people that were obviously emotional and I think that just shows the care that we have for our teammates and especially Tay.

“Unlucky things happen and then you just kind of got to get on with it and wait until after the game just to make sure that Tay was OK – and she’s in good spirits which is nice to see.”

With Australia’s remarkable bowling strength, though, a sidelined Vlaeminck would not be as calamitous as losing world-beating wicketkeeper-opener Healy, who hammered a quickfire 37 in pursuit of Pakistan’s paltry 82 before retiring hurt, who was brilliant with the gloves and who led with her usual smiling swagger.

Beth Mooney could take over as keeper if needed while vice captain McGrath already sounded as if she was expecting to take the reins on Sunday.

“The thing about this Australian side is how much depth we’ve got. Captaincy, wicketkeeping-batting, we’ve got so much depth ... yep, time to use it,” she said.

AAP

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