Ashleigh Gardner is an Australian cricketer known for her exceptional skills and contributions to the sport. Born on April 15, 1997, in Bankstown, New South Wales, Australia, Gardner has made a significant impact in the world of cricket. She is a right-arm off-break bowler and a right-handed batswoman.
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Gardner comes from an interesting and diverse background. Her mother, Kate Goodwin, hails from the Muruwari tribe, an indigenous community from outlying New South Wales. This heritage has played a significant role in shaping Gardner’s identity and her pride in her indigenous roots. Her father, Jim Gardner, has been a source of support throughout her cricketing journey. Gardner also has an older brother named Aaron.
Standing at an impressive height of 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm), Gardner possesses a strong physical presence on the field, allowing her to excel in various aspects of the game.
In terms of her personal life, Gardner is openly lesbian and is currently in a relationship with Monica Wright. Their partnership began in 2021, and they have been supportive of each other both on and off the field.
As for her education, Gardner completed her schooling at Picnic Point High School in New South Wales, Australia. While her college or university education is not known, her dedication to cricket and pursuit of a professional career have been evident from an early age.
Gardner’s cricketing career took off in the 2014-15 Imparja Cup, where she showcased her talent representing New South Wales. This performance led to her debut in the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) for New South Wales during the 2015-16 season. She also secured a contract with the Sydney Sixers for the inaugural Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) season in 2015-16.
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In addition to her domestic success, Gardner represented Northern Districts (formerly known as Northern Spirit) in New Zealand, playing both T20 and 50-over matches during the same summer. Her impressive form continued in the 2016-17 season, during which New South Wales won the Women’s National Cricket League, and the Sydney Sixers emerged as champions in WBBL|02. Gardner’s performances earned her the title of the WBBL’s “Young Gun.”
Gardner’s talents have also been recognized on the international stage. She made her Test debut against England on July 18, 2019, followed by her One Day International (ODI) debut against New Zealand on March 2, 2017. Her Twenty20 International (T20I) debut came earlier on February 17, 2017, against New Zealand.
With numerous accolades to her name, Gardner has established herself as a formidable all-rounder in cricket. She has been a part of the Australian team’s historic victories, including the Women’s Cricket World Cup in 2022, the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2018 and 2020, and the Commonwealth Games in 2022.
Off the field, Gardner maintains an active presence on social media platforms. She can be found on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, where she shares updates, insights, and glimpses into her personal and professional life with her fans and followers.
In conclusion, Ashleigh Gardner’s journey in cricket has been nothing short of inspiring. From her diverse heritage to her outstanding performances on the field, she continues to leave a lasting impact on the sport. With her dedication, talent, and support from her loved ones and fans, Gardner is poised for continued success in her cricketing career.
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