Gardiner named in Black Caps squad

Returning to the team after a two-year hiatus, the opening batsman completed the Imparja Cup as the tournament’s sixth highest run-scorer with 146.

The right-handed batsman was proud of his achievement, with his highest score of the tournament being 41 against Western Australia.

“I’m honoured to be be recognised by Cricket Australia and to be selected as a member of the Black Caps squad,” Gardiner said.

Gardiner was also selected in Cricket Australia’s Development Squad, along with teammates Ben Abbataneglo, Josh Eaton and Adam McDermott.

“These accolades are great, but I couldn’t have done it without out my teammates,” Gardiner said.

“They’re just a great bunch to play with, and although we didn’t make the final this year, we will be back bigger and stronger in 2014.”

For the female’s, Victoria’s Kareena Jacobson-Logan and Kirra Cuskelly were also selected as members of Cricket Australia’s female All-Stars team.

The pair was gallant in defeat after losing Saturday’s Imparja Cup final to New South Wales.

NSW piled on a score of 3-134 and although there were strong batting contributions from captain Sally Moylan (23), Amanda Silva (23) and Tamika Hansen (20), the Invitational XI fell short of the total at 6-88.

“We are extremely proud of the girls,” coach Natalie Schilov said.

“We didn’t win the final, but, there were a lot of good things that we can take away from the tournament.”

For full results from the 2013 Imparja Cup, click here.