‘It’s been challenging’: Gardner opens up on teammate affair ahead of WBBL campaign

Sydney Sixers captain Ash Gardner has opened up about the cheating allegations that engulfed her private life, describing cricket as a “shining light” that helped her navigate the challenging period.

Gardner also paid tribute to outgoing Sixers general manager and former teammate Rachael Haynes for backing her to lead the club in this year’s Women’s Big Bash League despite the controversy surrounding her relationship with Australian teammate Georgia Voll.

In July, Gardner’s estranged wife, Monica Wright, alleged in an Instagram post that the Australian all-rounder had an affair with Voll. Gardner and Voll are now in a relationship.

Speaking publicly about the controversy for the first time at the Sixers’ season launch at North Sydney Olympic Pool on Monday, Gardner conceded the past few months had been “challenging”.

The 29-year-old has continued to enjoy success on the field, helping Australia win the T20 World Cup and captaining Trent Rockets to victory in England’s Hundred tournament. She has also featured in Australia’s recent white-ball matches against Bangladesh and New Zealand.

“Cricket’s been a really fantastic escape … it’s been a bit of a shining light,” Gardner said ahead of the Sixers’ first WBBL game on Friday against the Brisbane Heat. “It’s obviously been challenging.

“Yes, it’s my private life, but I guess these things become more of a public matter.

“Being able to win the World Cup and have success in the Hundred campaign as well [was great]. I’ve had some fantastic people around me to be there when I’ve needed them. I think cricket’s been great for that because I know the people around me support me.

“They know the type of person I am. I’m always trying to be the best teammate I can be in whatever team I represent. Being able to captain a couple of sides throughout that period as well certainly draws me back to focusing on other people as well.

“Obviously, there’s stuff going on in my life, but I think being able to show up for my teammates and for the clubs I represent is the most important thing I can do. Hopefully, my performances showcase that.”

Gardner said she had largely been able to compartmentalise the scrutiny surrounding her private life, although there were moments when the attention took a toll.

“There were certainly days that it was tough,” Gardner said. “That’s my job at the end of the day. Life still happens [and it is about] being able to put my full focus into what whatever I guess was needed from me, and that’s obviously cricket.

“[It was about] being able to focus on having really good relationships with my teammates as well, because they’re ultimately going to be there to see the good days, to see the bad [ones].

“I’ve made some fantastic friends throughout my career and certainly being able to rely on them at times [was helpful].

“When you’ve got a platform, you have a platform. Cricket has been one of those things that has brought me back to why I’m here.”

Asked what she had learned from the episode, Gardner acknowledged the responsibilities that come with being a prominent Australian cricketer in the public eye.

“Being a role model, people look up to you and whether that’s your reputation and things like that. There’s so many things to take out of what’s happened,” Gardner said.

“I don’t really need to go into detail of the specific learnings, but I think just being able to rely on people has been a massive thing because I feel like sometimes you don’t realise the support you need until you really need it.”

Gardner retained also her position as Australia’s vice-captain, with Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg saying “additional policies” would be introduced to navigate her relationship with Voll.

The Sixers also stood by Gardner, announcing in July she would remain captain for the new WBBL season.

“Obviously this club means a lot to me,” Gardner said. “To have the backing from the people at the top [means a lot]. I’ve known Rach for a really long time. I got to play with her and then obviously got to see her transition into the GM of the club I love.”