Sydney Sixers fans have every reason to celebrate with the news that all-round superstar Ashleigh Gardner has re-signed for another two years. Gardner, an unstoppable force in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), will stay in the team’s iconic magenta until the end of WBBL 13. This move is not just about contracts; it represents the blossoming connection between Gardner and the Sixers, which began nearly a decade ago when the league was launched.
Entering WBBL 11 with an incredible legacy, Gardner’s trajectory with the Sixers has been intertwined with the club’s very essence. Ever since she burst onto the scene as a young 21-year-old in the league’s inaugural season, she has blossomed into a two-time champion (WBBL 02 & WBBL 03) and a crucial player on both the national and international stages of women’s cricket. At just 28, she’s not merely a player but a beacon of excellence in women’s sports.
Statistics tell a part of the story: 2,607 runs, 100 wickets over 135 matches, where her influence goes far beyond numbers. Her ability to score runs swiftly, break partnerships with her crafty off-spin, and dazzle fans with athleticism in the field has defined her role in establishing the indomitable identity of the Sixers.
Who can forget that jaw-dropping innings of 114 runs from just 52 balls at North Sydney Oval during WBBL 03? That masterclass in power hitting is still celebrated as one of the standout performances in league history.
Her crowning achievement came in WBBL 08 when she secured the title of Player of the Tournament. That season, she was a juggernaut, claiming 23 wickets while scoring 339 runs, helping the Sixers clinch an impressive 11 wins in the regular season and land a spot in the Grand Final.
Beyond the pitch, Gardner emerges as a role model. Proud of her Indigenous heritage, she actively promotes inclusivity and cultural awareness, shaping the future for budding cricketers and reinforcing her leadership essence within the team.
This contract extension comes at a pivotal moment for the Sixers, as Gardner prepares to reunite with Matthew Mott, her former World Cup-winning coach. With Charlotte Edwards stepping down, the arrival of Mott represents an exciting new chapter, blending championship experience with fresh ideas.
Gardner will continue to share the field with her lifelong teammate and Sixers’ captain Ellyse Perry, who also committed to another three years earlier this year. Together, this duo forms a powerhouse core that rivals any competition.
Rachael Haynes, the General Manager of the Sixers, made it clear just how monumental this move is: “Ash (Ashleigh Gardner) is woven into the very fabric of our club’s history. Watching her evolve as both an athlete and a person has been nothing short of inspiring. Keeping her here for the long-term is crucial for our vision moving forward.”
The Sixers kick off their WBBL 11 campaign against the Perth Scorchers on November 9, followed by a thrilling match at North Sydney Oval against the Hobart Hurricanes on November 13. This venue has been a stage for some of Gardner’s most unforgettable moments, and fans are eager for more.
As Ashleigh Gardner steps into this next chapter with the Sixers, there’s no doubt that her remarkable presence will fuel their title aspirations and inspire the magenta faithful to dream of more unforgettable moments under the bright Sydney lights.
Image Source: Ashleigh Gardner @ Instagram
