Ashleigh Katherine Gardner, widely known as Ash Gardner, is an Australian cricketer making waves on and off the field. Born on 15 April 1997 in Bankstown, Sydney, Gardner has emerged as one of the country’s most promising all-rounders. Her exceptional skills as a right-handed batter and right-arm off-spinner have earned her a spot in the Australian national women’s cricket team. She continues to showcase her talent in various domestic leagues, including the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL), the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), and the Women’s Premier League (WPL) with the Gujarat Giants.
Ashleigh Gardner: Comprehensive Profile Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ashleigh Katherine Gardner |
| Date of Birth | 15 April 1997 (Age: 27) |
| Place of Birth | Bankstown, New South Wales, Australia |
| Heritage | Indigenous Australian (Muruwari heritage through her mother) |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) |
| Role in Cricket | All-rounder |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm off-spin |
| Instagram Handle | @ashleigh_gardner97 |
| Engagement | Engaged to her long-term partner, Monic. |
| Hobbies | Dot Painting inspired by her Indigenous heritage; frequently commissioned by athletes for custom work. |
| Charity Work | Founder of the Ashleigh Gardner Foundation to support Aboriginal kids in completing high school. |
Early Career and Breakthrough
Ashleigh Gardner’s journey to international cricket began with her debut for Australia in 2016 when she was included in the squad for a home series against New Zealand. Her first Women’s Twenty20 International (WT20I) appearance came on 17 February 2017 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, though it was an inauspicious start, as she was run out for a golden duck. However, her determination shone through in subsequent matches, and she quickly made her mark on the international scene.
Her first Women’s One Day International (WODI) debut came during a series in New Zealand, where she contributed to a match-winning performance. However, participating in the 2017 Women’s Cricket World Cup highlighted her potential. She became the first Indigenous Australian woman to play in a World Cup, and though Australia was eliminated in the semi-finals, Gardner finished with eight wickets from the tournament.
Rise to Prominence
Gardner’s career took off in the following years, with several standout performances across all formats. She played a crucial role in Australia’s first-ever T20 World Cup title in 2018, contributing with the bat and ball. Notably, in the 2018 ICC Women’s World Twenty20 final against England, she was named Player of the Final for her all-round performance, which included 3/22 with the ball and a quickfire 32 not out.
Her aggressive play was showcased once again during her Test debut in 2019 during the Women’s Ashes series, where she became the only woman to score a six to get off the mark in all three formats of international cricket. Her contributions with both bat and ball have made her a crucial part of Australia’s cricket team.
Major Titles and Achievements
Gardner’s career has been decorated with numerous accolades, including three world championships and four national titles. She has become a key figure for Australia, contributing significantly to their victories in the 2020 Women’s T20 World Cup and the 2022 Women’s Cricket World Cup, where her impressive all-round performance helped Australia lift the title.
Her most recent achievement came in the 2023 Ashes Test against England, where she recorded the best bowling figures in Australian women’s cricket history, taking 8/66 in the second innings and finishing with 12 wickets for 165 runs in the match. Gardner’s continued success on the field has led to her selection in the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup squad and the 2025 Women’s Ashes series.
Ashleigh Gardner: Off the Field
Beyond her cricketing prowess, Ashleigh Gardner also makes a name for herself in the arts. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she began experimenting with dot painting, inspired by her Muruwari heritage. This new hobby gained significant attention, and several cricketers, including Moises Henriques and Alyssa Healy, commissioned pieces from her. Her creativity further shone through when she painted a pair of boots for AFL player Erin Todd during the Indigenous Round of the AFL Women’s competition.
Gardner has always been vocal about her Indigenous roots. Her efforts to raise awareness for Aboriginal children have been supported through the Ashleigh Gardner Foundation, which aims to increase the percentage of Aboriginal kids finishing high school.
Personal Life and Engagement
Off the cricket field, Ashleigh Gardner’s life has also garnered attention. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Gardner announced her engagement to her long-time girlfriend, Monic, sharing a picture with the caption, “Mrs. Gardner has a nice ring to it.” The post was met with congratulations from fans and fellow cricketers alike, highlighting her growing presence as a role model both within the cricket community and beyond.
Career Milestones & Achievements
| Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 2016 | Made her debut in the Australian Women’s squad for the home series against New Zealand. |
| 2017 | Became the first Indigenous Australian woman to play in a Cricket World Cup. |
| 2018 | Named Player of the Final in the ICC Women’s World T20 Championship after an all-round performance. |
| 2020 | Helped Australia win the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Took the winning catch in the final. |
| 2022 | Played a pivotal role in Australia’s Women’s Cricket World Cup win, contributing with bat and ball. |
| 2023 | Achieved career-best bowling figures of 12/165 (8/66 in the second innings) in the Ashes Test. |
Ashleigh Gardner: The Cricketer and the Woman
As a cricketer, Ashleigh Gardner has cemented her status as a formidable all-rounder, capable of changing the course of a game with both bat and ball. Her height, athleticism, and versatility have allowed her to thrive in various game formats, and her journey is a testament to hard work, resilience, and a passion for the sport.
With multiple titles under her belt, including the T20 World Cup, Women’s Cricket World Cup, and Commonwealth Games gold medal, Ashleigh Gardner’s legacy is still being written. Whether with her dynamic performances on the field or her efforts to inspire future generations through her foundation, she continues to leave a lasting impact on the world of cricket.
FAQs About Ashleigh Gardner
1. Who is Ashleigh Gardner’s husband?
Ashleigh Gardner is engaged to her long-term partner, Monic, and they share their journey. They announced their engagement on Instagram, with Gardner referring to her future as “Mrs. Gardner.”
2. What is Ashleigh Gardner’s height?
Ashleigh Gardner is an impressive 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall, which contributes to her commanding presence on the cricket field.
3. Does Ashleigh Gardner have any tattoos?
Yes, Ashleigh Gardner has tattoos that reflect her heritage and personal experiences. Her tattoos are a visible expression of her Indigenous roots and serve as a form of self-expression.
4. What is Ashleigh Gardner’s family background?
Ashleigh Gardner is of Indigenous Australian descent through her mother’s Muruwari heritage. She is deeply connected to her cultural roots and advocates for Indigenous causes.
5. Where can I follow Ashleigh Gardner on Instagram?
You can follow Ashleigh Gardner on Instagram at @ash_gardner for updates on her cricketing career, personal life, and artistic endeavors.
6. What is Ashleigh Gardner’s role in cricket?
Ashleigh Gardner is an all-rounder for the Australian women’s national cricket team. She is known for her powerful batting, especially in the shorter formats, and skillful off-spin bowling.
7. Has Ashleigh Gardner played in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL)?
Ashleigh Gardner plays for the Sydney Sixers in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), where she continues showcasing her remarkable talent.
8. Who is Ashleigh Gardner’s wife/fiancée?
She is engaged to her long-term girlfriend, Monic, and shared the announcement on Instagram.
9. What is Ashleigh Gardner’s Test debut and record?
She made her Test debut on 18 July 2019 against England, achieving the best Australian women’s bowling figures (8/66) in 2023.
Ashleigh Gardner is much more than a talented cricketer; she is a role model for future generations, a proud Indigenous woman, and an inspiration to her fans around the world. Her journey reminds us of the power of perseverance, passion, and staying true to one’s roots.
