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Tag: Ashleigh Gardner

  • WPL 2025 [Twitter reactions]: Smriti Mandhana’s RCB suffers 3rd consecutive defeat as Gujarat Giants dominate in Bengaluru

    WPL 2025 [Twitter reactions]: Smriti Mandhana’s RCB suffers 3rd consecutive defeat as Gujarat Giants dominate in Bengaluru

    Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) endured another disappointing outing in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 as they suffered their third consecutive defeat, this time at the hands of Gujarat Giants.

    Playing at home in Bengaluru, RCB failed to post a competitive total, managing only 125/7 in their 20 overs. Gujarat, led by a blistering knock from captain Ashleigh Gardner, chased down the target comfortably in just 16.3 overs, securing a commanding six-wicket victory.

    RCB’s batting struggles continue as Gujarat Giants’ bowlers shine

    RCB’s batting woes were again evident as they lost early wickets, struggling to build partnerships. Danni Wyatt-Hodge was dismissed for just 4 runs in the first over, while Ellyse Perry followed suit, falling for a duck to Gardner. Skipper Smriti Mandhana, who has been out of form, also failed to make an impact, managing just 10 off 20 balls before falling to Tanuja Kanwar.

    The middle-order showed some fight, with Kanika Ahuja (33 off 28) and Raghvi Bist (22 off 19) stitching together a 48-run stand. However, regular wickets towards the end meant RCB could only muster 125/7. Gujarat’s bowling attack was disciplined, with Tanuja Kanwar (2/16) and Deandra Dottin (2/31) leading the charge, while Kashvee Gautam and Gardner also chipped in with a wicket each.

    Also WATCH: Ashleigh Gardner strikes as Ellyse Perry records her first-ever WPL duck

    Ashleigh Gardner’s power-packed fifty guides Gujarat to comfortable win

    Chasing 126, Gujarat got off to a cautious start, losing Beth Mooney (17) and Dayalan Hemalatha (11) inside the powerplay. Harleen Deol struggled before falling for 5, leaving Gujarat at 66/3 in the 10th over. However, captain Gardner took charge, playing a stunning knock of 58 off just 31 balls, smashing six fours and three sixes.

    Gardner’s counterattack, along with Phoebe Litchfield’s composed 30 off 21 balls, ensured Gujarat cruised to victory with 21 balls to spare. Georgia Wareham was the only bright spot for RCB with the ball, picking up 2/26, while Renuka Singh also grabbed two wickets. With this win, Gujarat climbed the points table, while RCB’s playoff hopes took a major hit with their third straight loss.

    Here’s how Twitter reacted:

    Also WATCH: Shabnim Ismail knocks over Sophie Ecclestone’s middle stump with an absolute snorter

    This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.



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  • Twitter reactions: Priya Mishra and Ashleigh Gardner shine in Gujarat Giants’ dominant win over UP Warriorz in the WPL 2025

    Twitter reactions: Priya Mishra and Ashleigh Gardner shine in Gujarat Giants’ dominant win over UP Warriorz in the WPL 2025

    Gujarat Giants displayed a dominant all-round performance to outclass UP Warriorz by six wickets in Match 3 of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 at Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara on Sunday (February 16). A clinical bowling effort, spearheaded by Priya Mishra’s three-wicket haul, restricted UP Warriorz to 143/9, before Gujarat chased down the target with 12 balls to spare, thanks to Ashleigh Gardner’s explosive fifty.

    Priya Mishra’s game-changing spell restricts UP Warriorz

    The Warriorz struggled to build partnerships after electing to bat first, as the Giants’ bowlers, particularly Priya, struck at crucial junctures. Kiran Navgire started aggressively with 15 off 8 balls but fell early to Deandra Dottin. The middle order saw a brief resurgence through captain Deepti Sharma, who top-scored with 39 off 27 balls, but wickets continued to tumble. Priya’s decisive strikes removed Tahlia McGrath, Grace Harris and Deepti, dismantling UPW’s momentum. A late cameo from Alana King (19 not out) pushed the total to 143/9, but it was below par on a good batting surface.

    Ashleigh Gardner’s brutal fifty steadies Gujarat Giants’ chase

    Chasing 144, the Giants suffered an early scare as Beth Mooney and Dayalan Hemalatha departed within the first two overs, leaving them reeling at 2/2. However, Gardner turned the game around with a counter-attacking 52 off 32 balls, finding support from Laura Wolvaardt (22) and Harleen Deol (34 not out). Gardner took on Warriorz’s spinners, striking five fours and three sixes, and stitched a crucial 55-run partnership with Wolvaardt to rebuild the innings. Though she fell to McGrath, Deol and Deandra Dottin (33 not out off 18) ensured a comfortable finish, sealing the win in 18 overs.

    Also READ: Out or Not out? DC co-owner Parth Jindal breaks silence over the controversial run-out decision against MI

    Sophie Ecclestone’s effort goes in vain as Gujarat dominate

    Sophie Ecclestone was the lone bright spot for UP Warriorz with figures of 2/16 in four overs, removing Wolvaardt and Hemalatha. However, the rest of the bowling unit lacked penetration, with King and Saima Thakor conceding 38 and 20 runs in their respective spells. Deepti’s four overs for 32 runs also failed to contain Gujarat’s aggressive approach. The Giants’ depth in batting and disciplined bowling ultimately handed them a well-deserved victory, earning them two crucial points in the tournament.

    Here’s how Twitter reacted:

    Also WATCH: Shabnim Ismail celebrates aggressively after dismissing Meg Lanning in the WPL 2025

    This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.



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  • WPL 2025 [Twitter reactions]: Ellyse Perry and Richa Ghosh power RCB to a historic win against Gujarat Giants

    WPL 2025 [Twitter reactions]: Ellyse Perry and Richa Ghosh power RCB to a historic win against Gujarat Giants

    Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) scripted history by registering the highest successful run chase in Women’s Premier League (WPL) history, defeating Gujarat Giants (GG) by six wickets with nine balls to spare. Chasing a daunting target of 202, RCB rode on a breathtaking 64 not put off 27 balls from Richa Ghosh and a commanding 57 off 34 from Ellyse Perry to storm to victory in the opening match of WPL 2025 at Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara. This chase marked the first time a team had successfully hunted down a 200-plus total in the WPL, setting the perfect tone for the season.

    Ashleigh Gardner’s all-round brilliance sets up a mammoth total

    After being invited to bat first, Gujarat got off to a cautious start but found themselves in early trouble at 41/2 in 6.4 overs. However, skipper Ashleigh Gardner turned the innings around with a breathtaking 79 not out off just 37 balls, hammering three fours and eight sixes at a strike rate of 213.51. Beth Mooney (56 off 42) anchored the innings with a solid knock, while Deandra Dottin (25 off 13) provided an explosive cameo. Their efforts propelled Gujarat to an imposing 201/5 in 20 overs, a total that seemed formidable at the halfway mark.

    Ellyse Perry and Rucha Ghosh lead the counterattack for RCB

    RCB’s chase got off to a shaky start, losing captain Smriti Mandhana (9) and Danni Wyatt-Hodge (4) inside two overs. However, Perry took charge, crafting a masterful 57 off 34 balls, striking six fours and two sixes to revive the innings. Despite losing Raghvi Bist (25 off 27) at a crucial juncture, RCB stayed in the hunt. The turning point came when Ghosh walked in and unleashed a breathtaking counterattack, smashing 64 off 27 balls with seven fours and four sixes. She found an able partner in Kanika Ahuja (30 unbeaten off 13), who provided the finishing touch as RCB raced to victory in just 18.3 overs.

    Also WATCH: Ashleigh Gardner stuns RCB by removing Smriti Mandhana and Danni Wyatt-Hodge in a single over

    RCB’s statement victory sets the tone for WPL 2025

    This historic win not only set a new benchmark for the highest successful chase in WPL history but also underlined RCB’s another title ambitions. Gujarat’s bowling attack, led by Gardner (2/33), struggled to contain the onslaught, with Dottin (1/41) and Sayali Satghare (1/44) proving expensive. Despite a solid batting effort, Gujarat found themselves on the wrong side of history as RCB’s power-packed batting lineup delivered a statement victory. With this emphatic start, RCB have announced themselves as serious contenders in the WPL 2025 season.

    Here’s how Twitter reacted:

    Also WATCH: Renuka Thakur starts WPL 2025 by shattering Laura Wolvaardt’s stumps with a brilliant delivery

    This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.



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  • Women’s Premier League: Team captains share their plans for WPL 2025

    Women’s Premier League: Team captains share their plans for WPL 2025

    The new season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) is set to begin on February 14 with the opening match between Gujarat Giants and defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Vadodara International Cricket Stadium. The tournament is anticipated to have some nail-biting fixtures and exciting cricket action with the final scheduled to be held on March 15 at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.

    As the teams gear up for the prestigious competition, captains of all 5 teams in the league shared insights on their respective team plans during a press conference organized by WPL’s official broadcaster Star Sports.

    Meg Lanning hopes her side wins their maiden title this season

    The skipper of the Delhi Capitals (DC), Meg Lanning, expressed confidence in her team’s performance, stating that they did almost everything right and remained one of the most dominant sides in the league. She believes there is no need for significant changes in their approach, as their overall strategy has been effective. However, the DC captain emphasized that success in high-stakes matches ultimately comes down to handling pressure. Lanning acknowledged that this is the one key area where DC would aim to improve in the upcoming season. Capitals were finalists of the league in the previous and have a star-studded squad featuring Jemimah Rodriguez, Marizanne Kapp, and Laura Wolvaardt.

    Harmanpreet Kaur expresses confidence in young turks

    Mumbai Indians’ captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, emphasized the significant impact of the WPL in providing young Indian players with a platform to showcase their talent and earn national call-ups over the past two seasons. She credited the league for nurturing emerging cricketers and giving them invaluable exposure at the highest level. While refraining from naming specific players, Harmanpreet expressed confidence that several rising stars will make a lasting impression on the big stage this season.

    Also Read: WPL 2025: 5 Overseas players to watch out for in the Women’s Premier League

    Smriti Mandhana addresses injury concerns

    The captain of defending champions RCB, Smriti Mandhana, addressed the setback of losing key players like Sophie Devine to injury, acknowledging that such challenges are concerning but emphasizing the need to make the most of the squad at hand. She reaffirmed the team’s determination to defend their title despite the hurdles. Smriti also spoke about the electrifying experience of playing in front of the passionate Chinnaswamy crowd, describing RCB’s fan base as deeply emotional—where both love and criticism come in equal measure, but on a grand scale. However, she sees this intense fan engagement as a source of motivation, driving the team to give their absolute best, not just for themselves but for the dedicated supporters who invest their hearts in RCB.

    A new challenge for Deepti Sharma

    Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma, newly appointed as captain of UP Warriorz following Alyssa Healy’s injury-enforced absence, acknowledged the immense responsibility that comes with leading the team. However, having previously captained her state side, she remains confident in her ability to step up and deliver strong results. Deepti expressed her enthusiasm for new challenges, embracing the leadership role as an opportunity for growth. Deepti expressed her determination to make the most of this chance and is hopeful of guiding UP Warriorz to a successful campaign with her experience and strategic mindset.

    Ashleigh Gardner confident of the great leap forward

    After two disappointing seasons at the bottom of the points table, the Giants have made a strategic leadership change, appointing Ashleigh Gardner as captain in place of Beth Mooney. Gardner emphasized that the team is not dwelling on past setbacks but is fully focused on a stronger performance this season. She expressed confidence in the squad’s improved balance, highlighting the presence of greater international experience and promising young talent. While the ultimate goal is to compete for the title, Gardner stressed that the immediate priority is achieving significantly better results than in the previous two seasons, taking it one step at a time.

    Also Read: Women’s Premier League 2025 – Here’s how to buy tickets for WPL matches

    This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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  • WPL 2025: Ashleigh Gardner named new Gujarat Giants captain, Beth Mooney sacked

    WPL 2025: Ashleigh Gardner named new Gujarat Giants captain, Beth Mooney sacked

    Australia allrounder Ashleigh Gardner has been appointed the new captain of Gujarat Giants. Gardner will replace her fellow Australian teammate Beth Mooney, who continues to have a significant presence in the team.

    Gardner will take over the role from the upcoming season of the Women’s Premier League. She is a key part of Australia’s team across all the formats and has played a significant role in their unprecedented success over the years.

    Also read: IPL 2025: Mayank Yadav ruled out of tournament? LSG mentor Zaheer Khan delivers an update

    Ashleigh Gardner replaces Beth Mooney as Gujarat Giants captain

    Ashleigh Gardner has been a key part of Gujarat Giants squad ever since the beginning of the WPL. In the two seasons, the allrounder has scored 324 runs at an average of 21.60 and a strike rate of 128.57. She also picked up 17 wickets with the ball at an average of 27.23 and an economy rate of 8.49.

    Gardner will be aiming to turn around the fortunes of Gujarat Giants who have finished last in the points table in both the seasons so far. Giants have been the worst performing team in the WPL history so far with just 4 wins in 16 matches.

    After her appointment, the 27-year-old Gardner expressed pleasure and was honored to become the captain of Gujarat Giants. She eagerly looks forward to the season where she will be working with plenty of talent.

    “It is an absolute honour for me to be named the captain of Gujarat Giants. I have loved being a part of this team and I am excited to lead this fantastic group in the upcoming season. We have a great mix of young and experienced players and plenty of Indian talent in our squad. I am looking forward to working with the team and making our fans proud,” Gardner stated.

    Michael Klinger welcomes Ashleigh Gardner, thanks Beth Mooney

    Giants head coach Michael Klinger also expressed confidence in Gardner and hailed her game awareness and talent to lead the team. He also thanked the previous captain Beth Mooney and claimed that she will be able to concentrate on her keeping now.

    “She (Ashleigh Gardner) is a fierce competitor. Her game awareness, tactical acumen, and ability to inspire players make her the ideal choice to captain Gujarat Giants. We believe she will lead from the front and guide the team towards a successful campaign,” Klinger said.

    “I would like to thank (Beth) Mooney for her highly valued leadership. Now, she will be able to focus on wicketkeeping and opening the batting lineup. She continues to be a major leader of our group,” he added.

    Ashleigh Gardner’s international records

    Ashleigh Gardner has established herself as a world-class allrounder over the years after making her international debut in 2017. She is known for her power game in the middle and lower order.

    Adding to it, she is also a capable offspinner who can bowl at any stage of the game. She won the Belinda Clark medal a couple of times on the back of her all-round performances for the team.

    Gardner played a vital role in Australia’s Commonwealth Games gold medal-winning run in 2022 where they defeated India in the final. She also won the award for the Player of the Tournament in the T20 World Cup 2023 played in South Africa where Australia won the title.



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  • AU-W vs IN-W, 2024: Australia’s best playing XI for the ODI series against India

    AU-W vs IN-W, 2024: Australia’s best playing XI for the ODI series against India

    Australia Women are set to face India Women in an exciting three-match ODI series, commencing on December 5, 2024, at the Allan Border Field in Brisbane. This series marks a significant encounter as it is the first time these teams will meet since their last series in January, where Australia emerged victorious in both the T20 and ODI formats.

    Australia have an edge over India as favourites in the ODI series

    Australia enter this series with a strong record against India in ODIs. In their last encounter during the earlier part of the year, Australia convincingly won all three ODIs, showcasing their depth and skill across all facets of the game. Key players like Phoebe Litchfield and Ellyse Perry have been instrumental in their recent successes, with Litchfield particularly shining with her batting prowess.

    India will be looking to bounce back after their previous defeats and will rely heavily on experienced players like Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana to lead from the front. The team has shown potential but will need to elevate their performance to challenge the formidable Australian side effectively.

    With both teams eager to assert dominance early in the series, fans can expect competitive matches filled with high-quality cricket. The first ODI promises to set the tone for what could be a thrilling series ahead.

    Also READ: Yastika Bhatia ruled out of the ODI series against Australia, replacement announced

    Australia’s best playing XI for the ODI series against India:

    1. Phoebe Litchfield
      • Role: Opening Batter
      • Strengths: Litchfield has shown exceptional form in domestic cricket, being among the top run-scorers in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). Her aggressive batting style and ability to play both pace and spin make her a formidable opener.
      • Impact: As an opener, Litchfield can set the tone for the innings. A strong start from her can put pressure on the Indian bowlers and provide a solid foundation for the middle order.
    2. Beth Mooney
      • Role: Opening Batter
      • Strengths: Mooney is known for her consistency and ability to anchor innings. She combines solid technique with an aggressive mindset, making her a dual threat.
      • Impact: With her experience and ability to build partnerships, Mooney can stabilize the innings if early wickets fall, while also accelerating when needed.
    3. Tahlia McGrath
      • Role: All-rounder / Captain
      • Strengths: McGrath has emerged as a strong leader and an impactful middle-order batter. Her versatility allows her to adapt her game according to match situations.
      • Impact: As captain, she will play a crucial role in strategizing against India. Her batting can be pivotal in both stabilizing and accelerating the scoring rate.
    4. Ellyse Perry
      • Role: All-rounder
      • Strengths: Perry is one of the best all-rounders in women’s cricket, known for her powerful batting and effective bowling. Her experience in high-pressure situations is invaluable.
      • Impact: Perry’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes her a key player. She can change the game with crucial wickets or explosive batting.
    5. Georgia Voll
        • Role: Middle-Order Batter
        • Strengths: Voll has demonstrated impressive form in domestic leagues, showcasing her ability to score quickly under pressure.
        • Impact: As a young talent, she brings fresh energy to the team. Her performance in the middle overs will be crucial for maintaining momentum.
    6. Sophie Molineux
      • Role: All-rounder
      • Strengths: Molineux offers left-arm spin along with solid lower-order batting. She is effective in containing runs and picking up wickets.
      • Impact: Her bowling can be particularly useful against India’s left-handed batters, while her batting depth adds resilience to the lineup.
    7. Ashleigh Gardner
      • Role: All-rounder
      • Strengths: Gardner is known for her explosive batting and handy off-spin bowling. She can clear boundaries with ease and has a knack for taking important wickets.
      • Impact: Her role as a finisher can be decisive in high-scoring games. Additionally, her bowling can provide breakthroughs at crucial moments.
    8. Alana King
      • Role: Spinner
      • Strengths: King is known for her leg-spin bowling, which can be particularly effective on turning tracks. She has good control and variations.
      • Impact: Her ability to take wickets in the middle overs can disrupt India’s batting rhythm and provide crucial breakthroughs.
    9. Megan Schutt
      • Role: Fast Bowler
      • Strengths: Schutt is one of Australia’s leading fast bowlers, known for her swing and seam movement. She is adept at taking early wickets.
      • Impact: As a strike bowler, Schutt’s performance will be vital in putting pressure on India’s top order from the outset.
    10. Darcie Brown
      • Role: Fast Bowler
      • Strengths: Brown brings pace and aggression to the bowling attack. Her ability to bowl yorkers makes her a dangerous option in death overs.
      • Impact: Brown’s early breakthroughs can set back India’s scoring rate significantly, making her an essential part of the bowling lineup.
    11. Annabel Sutherland
      • Role: Fast Bowler / All-rounder
      • Strengths: Sutherland combines pace with all-round capabilities, providing depth to both batting and bowling.
      • Impact: Her contributions with both bat and ball make her a valuable asset, especially in tight matches where every run counts.

    Also READ: Australia announces ODI squads for the series against India and New Zealand, featuring two different women captains

    This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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  • Clinical Australia beat Pakistan to register a commanding win in Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

    Clinical Australia beat Pakistan to register a commanding win in Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

    Australia continued their dominant run in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 by defeating Pakistan by nine wickets in a one-sided affair at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday (October 11). With a clinical performance both with the ball and bat, Australia sealed the win with 54 balls to spare. Ashleigh Gardner was the standout performer, earning the Player of the Match award for her all-round efforts, particularly her four-wicket haul.

    Pakistan’s struggles with the bat

    Pakistan’s batting lineup crumbled under pressure, managing to post only 82 runs in 19.5 overs. Stand-in captain Muneeba Ali, along with Sidra Amin, attempted to give Pakistan a steady start but struggled to break free from Australia’s disciplined bowling. Key batters like Nida Dar and Aliya Riaz tried to resist, but wickets fell at regular intervals. Gardner’s remarkable bowling, claiming 4 for 21, dismantled Pakistan’s middle and lower order, while Annabel Sutherland and Georgia Wareham contributed with crucial breakthroughs. The only significant resistance came from Riaz, who top-scored with 26 off 32 deliveries. Pakistan’s inability to accelerate left them with a modest total that proved insufficient against a strong Australian side. Megan Schutt, Sophie Molineux and Georgia Wareham also impress in the bowling department.

    Australia’s comfortable chase

    Chasing a small target of 83, Australia cruised to victory, reaching 83/1 in just 11 overs. Beth Mooney and Alyssa Healy got Australia off to a solid start, with Healy scoring a brisk 37 off 23 balls before retiring hurt. Mooney contributed 15 off 15 balls before falling to Sadia Iqbal. Ellyse Perry (22*) and Ashleigh Gardner (7*) comfortably guided Australia home, with Perry playing an anchor role to see the team through. With such a dominant performance, Australia solidified their position at the top of the group.

    Also WATCH: West Indies’ Deandra Dottin finishes off in style against Bangladesh at the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

    Ashleigh Gardner’s all-round brilliance

    Gardner’s all-round performance was the highlight of the match. Her four wickets in just four overs effectively dismantled Pakistan’s batting lineup. Gardner’s ability to extract spin and vary her pace made it difficult for the Pakistan batters to find any rhythm. She struck at crucial moments, breaking Pakistan’s momentum and ensuring they could never settle into a partnership. Gardner’s wickets included key batters like Iram Javed and Tuba Hassan, and her spell crippled Pakistan’s middle order, making it difficult for them to post a competitive total. Adding to her bowling heroics, Gardner contributed with a quickfire 7* off 5 balls in the chase, ensuring Australia wrapped up the game swiftly.

    Also READ: Karishma Ramharack sizzles in West Indies’ commanding win over Bangladesh in Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

    This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.



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  • Indigenous cricket star’s Voice plea to Australians

    Indigenous cricket star’s Voice plea to Australians

    Indigenous cricket superstar Ashleigh Gardner has urged Australians to do their research and be informed before voting in the Voice to Parliament referendum.

    Gardner represents a shamefully under-represented demographic of Australia’s national sport, as one of only four Aboriginal people to ever play Test cricket.

    The superstar all-rounder – a potential future captain of her country – says it would be inappropriate for her to try and influence how other Australians vote but appealed for people who ‘don’t know’ what the debate is about, to educate themselves before D-Day arrives.

    “It’s obviously up to every individual to make their own educated decision on it and it’s not for me to say, or to tell people what to vote for,” Gardner told this masthead as Cricket Australia marked 30 days until the start of the new Women’s Big Bash season.

    “The most important thing is for people to make educated decisions rather than just going, ‘I don’t know what I’m going to do, so I’m just going to vote for A or B.’

    “There’s so many great resources and articles to read or videos to watch to help your decision, whether that is for a yes or a no.

    “I think it’s important for people to actually go out there and educate themselves for how much they need to make the best decision they can … rather than just making a spur of the moment decision.”

    Gardner revealed Australia’s national women’s players were spoken to about the Voice last Monday by Cricket Australia’s Head of Social Impact and Sustainability, Megan Barnett-Smith.

    Cricket Australia has publicly supported the Yes vote, but the message to its own athletes has centred more around education.

    “We had a good discussion with Megan … she spoke to us about the different resources we have around us. Whether it’s having a conversation with her around it or sharing articles to go and read yourself,” Gardner said.

    “It’s not you making a decision because someone else has made that same decision, it’s purely individual and it’s all about the education as to why there is a ‘yes’ and why there is a ‘no.’”

    Gardner has been an outspoken advocate for changing the date of Australia Day from January 26, calling out her own employer’s Cricket Australia for scheduling international cricket on a day of mourning for her people.

    Being a voice on social issues has not been easy, but Gardner has learned to accept that being a true leader is not about always doing what’s popular and it’s a strength which has her well placed to one day be considered as Australian captain.

    However, it’s not a role she is coveting.

    “If that ever arose and they ever said, ‘would you like to do it,’ of course I’d say yes, but it’s not really an aspiration, I don’t strive to want to do that,” Gardner said.

    “I just want to play as many games as I can for my country.”

    Gardner is not just an important voice in Australian sport, but she is a proactive influence of change in indigenous communities.

    The 26-year-old launched The Ashleigh Gardner Foundation earlier this year which is aiming to improve school attendance and nutrition for Aboriginal kids in regional areas, and has already started up at a school in Dubbo.

    Gardner said she wants to leave a legacy that goes beyond her playing career.

    “Sport is such a short part of my life and ultimately I want to leave a legacy long beyond my career,” she said.

    “I want to make sure I’m inspiring the next generation, especially of Aboriginal kids to show that there is a real path for them to achieve whatever it is they want to achieve.”

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  • More work, less pay: Female cricketers’ new wage disparity

    More work, less pay: Female cricketers’ new wage disparity

    In the never-ending debate about pay parity for women in sport, these are the figures that illustrate the gender gap that still exists in cricket despite it being one sport that could argue it is leading the way in this field.

    While Cricket Australia has rightly trumpeted the fact this year’s WBBL salary cap has doubled on previous seasons, a quick glance at the salaries being offered international players in Sunday’s draft for this season’s men’s and women’s T20 tournaments make for an interesting debate.

    The women are playing more games, but earning far less.

    This year’s WBBL tournament will feature 14 games per team, while the reduced schedule for the men means that each BBL club will only play 10 regular season games.

    But with a 40 per cent higher workload, a platinum international WBBL draftee will earn $110,000.

    A platinum international BBL draftee will earn $420,000.

    That’s almost four times the pay for four fewer games of cricket.

    Or $42,000 per game compared to $7857 per game.

    Only bronze level BBL draftees, those taken in the final rounds, will earn less than the most valuable women’s players with their salaries set at $100,000 – which still equates to $10,000 per game.

    And it’s not like the BBL has attracted a higher calibre of player when you consider the current ICC T20 world rankings.

    Just six of the 25 players listed as men’s platinum contract draftees are currently featured in the top 10 rankings including world No.1 bowler Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Dawid Malan, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Rizwan and Rilee Rossouw.

    In the women’s platinum player pool, 10 of the 25 are currently ranked in the top 10 of ICC T20 rankings.

    When combined with the fact Australia’s men’s Test stars cannot play in this year’s BBL due to schedule conflicts, but every member of the all-conquering women’s national side is ready for WBBL action, it’s clear this women’s tournament is a truly world-class competition.

    It is part of the reason why Cricket Australia is boldly attempting to take WBBL to major stadiums this season, in a bid to further unlock commercial growth of the women’s game.

    Cricket Australia, at least, acknowledges it is only just starting the journey towards pay parity in their sport.

    “Cricket now clearly offers the best earning opportunities of any team sport for elite female sportspeople,” Cricket Australia boss Nick Hockley said when announcing their new pay deals earlier this year.

    “We are on a path, we are not there yet.

    “But we have taken a major step forward in closing the gap.”

    Like all sports, they are positive yet still just baby steps.

    For when the numbers are stacked side-by-side, as is the case with Sunday’s international player draft, it still evident for all to see the playing field remains far from ideal.

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