Ash Gardner has admitted there have been days when the fallout from her marriage breakdown was tough to close out, because the Australian cricket star thanked teammates for serving to her via the controversy.
The Australian vice-captain, 29, stated cricket had change into a ‘shining mild’ after her estranged spouse Monica Wright publicly accused her of dishonest with nationwide teammate Georgia Voll.
Gardner and Voll are actually understood to be formally in a relationship.
Talking on the Sydney Sixers’ season launch in North Sydney, Gardner acknowledged the challenges of getting her non-public life change into a public speaking level.
‘Cricket’s been a extremely unbelievable escape … It has been a little bit of a shining mild,’ she stated.
‘It is clearly been difficult.
Ash Gardner has opened up concerning the private toll of her marriage breakdown and the dishonest allegations made by her estranged spouse
Monica Wright, pictured left, publicly accused Gardner of dishonest with Australian teammate Georgia Voll in an Instagram publish in July
Gardner and Voll (pictured at the 2025 Cricket Australia Awards) are actually publicly in a relationship
‘Sure, it is my non-public life, however I assume this stuff change into extra of a public matter.’
Wright made the allegation in an Instagram publish in July, sharing {a photograph} of Voll with the phrases: ‘That is who my spouse cheated on me with.’
Gardner apologised in August for the ache attributable to the breakdown of her marriage.
She has retained each the Australian vice-captaincy and the Sixers captaincy, with Cricket Australia and the Sydney membership backing her to proceed in these roles.
On Monday, Gardner stated the assist of these round her had helped her navigate the scrutiny.
‘I’ve had some unbelievable folks round me to be there once I’ve wanted them,’ she stated.
‘I feel cricket’s been nice for that as a result of I do know the folks round me assist me. They know the kind of particular person I’m.’
Requested about concentrating on her cricket through the tough interval, Gardner acknowledged that had not at all times been simple.
Gardner described cricket as a ‘shining mild’ as she navigated intense scrutiny of her non-public life
‘There have been actually days that it was robust,’ she stated.
‘That [playing cricket] is my job on the finish of the day. Life nonetheless occurs.’
Gardner stated sustaining shut relationships inside her workforce had been notably useful, with teammates alongside her via each good and dangerous days.
‘I’ve made some unbelievable buddies all through my profession and definitely having the ability to depend on them at instances (has helped me).’
Her feedback comply with an interview earlier this month during which she stated her fame had been ‘tarnished’ and admitted she had underestimated how a lot consideration the state of affairs would appeal to.
‘I actually did not count on the state of affairs to take the trail that it did, or to change into as public as what it did,’ Gardner stated in that interview.
‘However I additionally perceive that everybody has their very own means of coping with tough conditions.’
She stated she understood Wright’s perspective and acknowledged she could have been ‘somewhat bit naive’ about how extensively the controversy would unfold.
Gardner will lead the Sydney Sixers in opposition to Brisbane Warmth of their WBBL opener on Friday
Regardless of the upheaval away from cricket, Gardner has continued to ship on the sphere.
She helped Australia win the T20 World Cup and captained Trent Rockets to the Hundred title throughout a profitable stretch that additionally included worldwide appearances in opposition to Bangladesh and New Zealand.
In opposition to New Zealand final week, she smashed 84 from 45 balls and claimed 2-17 to earn player-of-the-match honours.
Gardner stated the accountability of captaincy had helped her think about the wants of these round her.
‘I am at all times making an attempt to be the very best teammate I could be in no matter workforce I signify,’ she stated.
‘Having the ability to captain a few sides all through that interval actually attracts me again to specializing in different folks as properly.’
The all-rounder stated persevering with to contribute remained her precedence.
‘Clearly, there’s stuff occurring in my life, however I feel having the ability to present up for my teammates and for the golf equipment I signify is crucial factor I can do,’ she stated.
‘Hopefully my performances showcase that.’
Gardner will lead the Sixers in opposition to Brisbane Warmth of their opening WBBL match on Friday.
