Australia's star all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner has tested positive for Covid-19 on the eve of the Women's Cricket World Cup and will miss the opening two matches, Reuters quotes officials as saying.

“All remaining Australian players and support staff have tested negative following subsequent RATs (Rapid Antigen Tests), and will proceed with existing plans,” CA said in a statement.

World Cup organisers have introduced a special rule for the tournament allowing Covid-affected teams to compete with only nine players if necessary.