Ash Gardner has opened up about the difficult months following her marriage breakdown, explaining how cricket and the people around her helped her manage a situation that became public. The Sydney Sixers captain and Australia vice-captain spoke at the club’s season launch in North Sydney. She described the period as challenging, but said cricket gave her a place to direct her attention. Gardner thanked the Sixers, her teammates and people close to her for standing beside her when she needed support.
Gardner’s marriage broke down earlier this year. Her former wife, Monica Wright, accused her of having an affair with Australia teammate Georgia Voll. The situation became public shortly after Australia won the T20 World Cup. The following month, Gardner won The Hundred in England. Although her private life was receiving public attention, she continued to play and take on leadership responsibilities with her teams.
Looking back, Gardner said, “Challenging, but cricket has been a fantastic escape.” She explained the importance of those who supported her: “I have had some fantastic people around me to be there when I’ve needed them, and cricket has been great because I know the people around me support me. They know the type of person I am.” She added that captaining teams helped her focus on others and her responsibilities.
Gardner said being present for her teammates and clubs remained important, even while she faced difficulties in her personal life. “There is stuff going on in my life, but being able to show up for my teammates and the clubs I represent is the most important thing, and hopefully my performances showcase that.” She acknowledged that some days were tough, but focusing on cricket, her job, gave her something familiar to return to and helped her represent her teams.
She also spoke about having a public profile while dealing with private matters. Gardner said being a role model meant people paid attention to a person’s reputation. She felt there were lessons to take from what had happened, without discussing the details publicly. She spoke about the importance of trusting people around her and having support during difficult moments. The Sixers and outgoing general manager Rachael Haynes were among those she thanked.
Gardner’s focus now moves to the Women’s Big Bash League, which begins this week. She enters the competition after scoring 84 for Australia in the second T20 international against New Zealand the previous week. At the Sixers’ season launch on Monday, she spoke about preparing to lead the team. Gardner said strong relationships with teammates mattered because they would be there through good days and difficult ones.
She spoke warmly about the Sixers’ support as she prepares to captain the side. “This club means a lot to me, and having the backing from the people at the top is incredible.” Gardner said she was thankful for the opportunity to lead the team and work with a group of players. The club’s support has been important as she balances her responsibilities on the field with personal challenges.
Gardner’s recent months have included personal difficulties and cricket success, from Australia’s T20 World Cup victory to her win in The Hundred in England. With the WBBL starting this week, she is turning her attention to the Sixers and the season ahead. She has credited cricket, her teammates and the club’s support with helping her focus on her role as a player and captain. Her comments reflected the place cricket continues to hold in her life as she prepares for another season with the Sixers ahead.
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