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Ashleigh Gardner, born on 15th April 1997 in Bankstown, Sydney, New South Wales, is a name that resonates with cricket enthusiasts around the world. A prodigious talent, Gardner has made significant strides in the world of cricket, representing Australia with distinction. Her prowess as a right-handed batter combined with her skills as a right-arm off-spinner makes her a formidable all-rounder in the international arena.
Ashleigh's journey into the world of cricket began in the suburbs of Sydney. Her early days were marked by her dedication to the sport, which was evident in her performances in various domestic leagues. Her indigenous Australian heritage, through her mother's Muruwari lineage, adds a unique dimension to her identity, making her one of the few indigenous women to represent Australia in cricket.
Gardner's domestic career took off with standout performances in the 2014-15 Imparja Cup. Recognising her potential, New South Wales inducted her into their squad for the Women's National Cricket League (WNCL) in the 2015-16 season. The same year, she joined the Sydney Sixers for the inaugural Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) season. Her performances were so impressive that she was also given the opportunity to play in New Zealand, representing a local team for a brief period.
The 2016-17 season was a defining period for Gardner. She not only clinched championships with both the Sixers and New South Wales but was also named the Young Gun of WBBL|02. Her participation in the WBBL final was, however, marred by an unfortunate incident where she suffered from heat exhaustion. But that did not deter her spirit. She moved to South Australia for the 2017-18 WNCL season and played a few matches before returning to New South Wales.
One of the highlights of her domestic career came when she scored a blistering 114 off just 52 balls against the Melbourne Stars at the North Sydney Oval. This innings saw her record the league's fastest half-century and the highest individual score. Her contributions were instrumental in the Sixers claiming back-to-back championships.
Ashleigh's consistent performances in the domestic circuit did not go unnoticed. She was named in Australia's squad for a home series against New Zealand in the 2016-17 season. Making her Women's Twenty20 International (WT20I) debut on 17th February at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, she quickly established herself as a force to reckon with. Her One Day International (ODI) debut followed soon after, on 2nd March at Bay Oval, where she played a crucial role in her team's victory.
In June 2017, Gardner achieved another milestone by becoming the first Indigenous Australian woman to appear in a cricket World Cup. She represented Australia in the 2017 Women's Cricket World Cup and showcased her skills by taking eight wickets in the tournament. Ashleigh Gardner's journey from the suburbs of Sydney to representing Australia on the global stage is nothing short of inspirational. Her dedication, combined with her immense talent, has made her one of the brightest stars in the world of women's cricket.
Ashleigh Gardner's ascent in the international cricket arena is a testament to her unwavering dedication and exceptional talent. After making her mark in the domestic circuit, Gardner's international debut came in the 2016-17 season against New Zealand. Her initial performances in the Women's Twenty20 International (WT20I) and One Day International (ODI) formats showcased her potential and solidified her position in the Australian squad.
In June 2017, Gardner achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Indigenous Australian woman to participate in a cricket World Cup. Representing Australia in the 2017 Women's Cricket World Cup, she made a notable impact by claiming eight wickets throughout the tournament. This performance was just the beginning of her illustrious international career.
Gardner's prowess was further highlighted in the subsequent years, with her participation in various international tournaments. She played a pivotal role in Australia's triumphs in the 2018 Women's World Twenty20, the 2020 Women's T20 World Cup, and the 2022 Women's Cricket World Cup. Each of these victories underscored her importance to the team and her ability to deliver under pressure.
Throughout her international career, Gardner has delivered numerous standout performances that have left an indelible mark on the cricketing world. One such trivia-worthy moment is her unique achievement of being the only woman to have started her innings with a six in all three international formats. This feat not only showcases her aggressive style of play but also her confidence and ability to dominate the opposition from the outset.
Another highlight of her career came during the Ashes Test, where she played a pivotal role in leading the Australian women to a triumphant victory. Her contributions in this match were instrumental, and her performance was widely acknowledged and celebrated.
Gardner's achievements aren't limited to her batting and bowling prowess. She has been an integral part of Australia's success in various international tournaments. Her contributions were crucial in Australia's victories in the 2018 Women's World Twenty20, the 2020 Women's T20 World Cup, and the 2022 Women's Cricket World Cup. Furthermore, she played a significant role in Australia's gold medal win at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and their championship victory in the 2023 Women's T20 World Cup.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the sport and her Indigenous heritage, Gardner has been featured in various articles and reports, highlighting her journey and the deeper connection she has built with her Indigenous identity amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic.
Ashleigh Gardner's illustrious cricketing career is a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication to the sport. In the Women's Test format, Gardner has played in 4 matches, batting in 7 innings to accumulate a total of 198 runs. Her highest score in this format stands at 56, with an average of 33.00 and a strike rate of 67.57. She has also achieved two half-centuries in Tests and has taken 3 catches.
Turning to the One Day Internationals, Gardner has represented Australia in 57 matches. Across 40 innings, she has scored 846 runs, with her highest score being 67. Her batting average in ODIs is 26.43, and she boasts a strike rate of 119.32. In this format, she has hit 5 fifties, 89 boundaries, and 32 sixes, while also contributing in the field with 26 catches.
In the T20 International arena, Gardner's prowess is further highlighted. She has played in 76 matches, batting in 59 innings. She has amassed 1248 runs with a commendable highest score of 93. Her average in T20Is is 27.73, and she strikes at a rate of 132.20. Her batting achievements in this format include 6 fifties, 138 fours, and 41 sixes. Additionally, she has taken 20 catches, showcasing her all-round abilities in the field.
Gardner's statistics not only reflect her consistency across formats but also underscore her importance to the Australian women's cricket team. Her ability to adapt to different formats and deliver match-winning performances has solidified her position as one of the leading figures in women's cricket.
Ashleigh Gardner is the only woman to have started her innings with a six in all three international formats, showcasing her aggressive style of play.
She has been featured in various articles that highlight her deeper connection with her Indigenous identity, especially during the challenges posed by the pandemic.
Gardner has been part of numerous videos and interviews, reflecting on her journey, the challenges she faced, and her aspirations for the future.
She has been recognised for her exceptional performances, with accolades such as being termed one of the most feared batters in the world by Matthew Mott in October 2020.
Ashleigh Gardner's journey in the world of cricket is a testament to her dedication, talent, and resilience. From her early days in Sydney to representing Australia on the global stage, she has consistently showcased her prowess and emerged as a force to be reckoned with.
Her statistics speak volumes about her contributions to the team, and her lesser-known facts provide a glimpse into the person behind the cricketer. As an Indigenous Australian woman, her achievements hold even more significance, breaking barriers and setting a precedent for future generations.
Gardner's legacy is not just limited to her on-field performances. Her off-field contributions, her advocacy for Indigenous rights, and her role as an ambassador for the sport make her a true icon. As her career continues to unfold, one thing is certain: Ashleigh Gardner's name will be etched in the annals of cricketing history as one of the greats.
FAQs
Who is Ashleigh Gardner?
Ashleigh Gardner is an Australian cricketer known for her all-round abilities, representing Australia in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.
When did Ashleigh Gardner make her international debut?
Gardner made her WT20I debut against New Zealand on 17th February 2017 and her ODI debut on 2nd March 2017 against New Zealand.
Is Ashleigh Gardner the first Indigenous Australian woman to play in a cricket World Cup?
Yes, in June 2017, Gardner became the first Indigenous Australian woman to participate in a cricket World Cup.
What are some of Ashleigh Gardner's notable achievements?
Gardner has been a key player in Australia's victories in the 2018 Women's World Twenty20, the 2020 Women's T20 World Cup, and the 2022 Women's Cricket World Cup. She's also known for starting her innings with a six in all three international formats.
Which teams has Ashleigh Gardner represented in domestic cricket?
In domestic cricket, Gardner has played for teams like New South Wales, Sydney Sixers, and Northern Districts Women, among others.
