Australia vice-captain Ashleigh Gardner has broken her silence following her separation from Monica Wright, after her ex-wife called for her leadership position to be removed. Gardner shared a statement on social media explaining why Cricket Australia addressed her relationship status. She said the matter was personal but understood the need to acknowledge it because of her position as vice-captain. Her message was her first response.
“While my separation from my wife is a personal matter, I understand my current relationship status needed to be addressed by Cricket Australia given my position as vice-captain.” Gardner shared these words after the matter became public. She did not go into details of her separation or directly respond to the call. Instead, she explained why Cricket Australia had addressed her relationship status. Her statement kept the focus on her position.
Gardner also spoke about the support she has received from the Cricket Australia Board and confirmed that she intends to continue in her leadership role. “I am grateful that the CA Board has chosen to support my continued leadership. I look forward to playing a strong role as a leader and providing the best possible support for my teammates in the season to come.”
She then shared a personal message about her time with Wright and acknowledged the pain caused by their separation. “I am grateful for the time Monica and I shared and sorry for the pain this has caused. I wish her nothing but happiness and success in the future.” Gardner also made it clear that she does not want to continue discussing the matter publicly. “I won’t be making any further public comment on this matter at this time and ask that the privacy of those involved is respected.”
Wright had called for Gardner to lose her leadership position, bringing the personal matter into a wider public discussion. Her comments placed attention on Gardner’s leadership position and whether she should continue. Gardner’s response did not challenge Wright’s comments point by point. Instead, she acknowledged the situation, thanked the CA Board and made clear that she wanted to continue serving as a leader.
Her statement made her position clear. Gardner acknowledged that Cricket Australia needed to address her relationship status because of her position as vice-captain, thanked the CA Board for supporting her continued leadership and expressed regret for the pain caused. She also wished Wright happiness and success in the future. She also said she would not make further public comments at this stage.
For Gardner, the focus now is on continuing her responsibilities as Australia’s vice-captain and supporting her teammates in the coming season. She has addressed the situation in her own words while keeping the details of her separation private. By thanking the CA Board and acknowledging her former relationship, Gardner has given her response. She has also asked for privacy for everyone involved and does not plan to comment further for now.
Loves all things female cricket