Australia’s vise captain and Sydney Sixers captain, Ashleigh Gardner, has discussed her difficult personal situation in public for the first time in recent months. Speaking at the Sixers’ season launch in North Sydney, the all-rounder discussed how cricket has given her a crucial outlet during this trying time. Earlier in 2026, Ashleigh Gardner and Monica Wright’s marriage collapsed after Wright made public accusations that Gardner had an affair with Georgia Voll, an Australian teammate.
Ashleigh Gardner has continued to honorably represent her nation and domestic franchise despite her personal struggles. She emphasized that concentrating on cricket has helped her return her focus to what really matters, and she thanked the club and those close to her for their support during this time.
“Cricket has been a great escape, but it’s challenging. It was fantastic to be able to win both The Hundred campaign and the World Cup. I’ve had some amazing people in my life who have been there for me when I’ve needed them, and cricket has been wonderful because I know that people around me are rooting for me. They are aware of my personality type.
Being able to captain a few teams during that time reminds me to put other people first because I always strive to be the best teammate I can be on whatever team I represent. Ashleigh Gardner stated, “I have a lot going on in my life, but the most important thing is being able to support my teammates and the clubs I represent, and hopefully my performances showcase that.”
Gardner went on to win The Hundred competition in England the following month after the story was released, coinciding with Australia’s victory in the T20 World Cup. The week before the Sixers’ season launch event, the all-rounder scored 84 for Australia in the second Twenty20 match against New Zealand, demonstrating her continued strong form at home.
Ashleigh Gardner has discussed the significance of keeping her personal struggles separate from her professional obligations. She emphasized the importance of her teammates and the connections she has made throughout her career in helping her get through this trying period.
“There were undoubtedly difficult days, but I can return to my ability to concentrate on cricket, which is ultimately my job. Ashleigh Gardner stated, “I am in different parts of the world for a reason, and being able to compartmentalize that stuff, knowing life still happens, but putting my full focus on what is needed from me is key.”
Since my teammates will eventually be there to witness both the good and the bad times, it is crucial that I can concentrate on developing strong relationships with them. Throughout my career, I’ve made some amazing friends, and I know I have a lot of support from them. “Life happens, and when you have a platform, cricket brings me back to why I am here. Cricket has been a shining light,” she continued.
What lessons did Ashleigh Gardner take away from her experience?
Ashleigh Gardner has considered the lessons she learned from managing her personal crisis while continuing to play as captain and a senior member of the team. She admitted that although her circumstances are private, they are now public, and she has learned a lot about the value of support networks and depending on those in her immediate vicinity.
“There are a lot of things to learn from what has transpired. Yes, it is my private life, but these issues start to become more widely known. Without getting into specifics, there are many lessons to be learned, but being able to depend on others has been extremely beneficial. “The people around me have been incredible, and sometimes you don’t realize the support you need until you really need it,” Ashleigh Gardner remarked.
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“Having the support of those at the top is amazing, and this club means a lot to me.” I am incredibly grateful to them for providing me with the chance to lead this team and an amazing group of players; it is an exciting opportunity for me and something I want to continue doing,” she continued.
