Ashleigh Gardner is a dynamic Australian all-rounder and a key player for the national women's cricket team, known for her match-winning performances and leadership.
Ashleigh Gardner stands out as one of Australia's most dynamic and captivating female cricketers. She first stepped onto the field for Australia's women's national cricket team in 2017 and quickly established herself as a vital asset. By 2022, she was honored as Australia's top women's cricketer, proving her impact both on and off the pitch. Her natural talent and ability to turn games single-handedly make her a crucial player for any team she represents. As a versatile all-rounder, Ashleigh Gardner has helped secure victories in multiple high-stakes tournaments. She delivered standout performances in the Women's ODI World Cup in 2022 and the Women's T20 World Cup in both 2018 and 2020, earning recognition as the best player in one of the finals. Ashleigh Gardner's personal life reflects her openness and authenticity. She identifies as a homosexual and has been in a committed relationship with her partner, Monica Wright, since 2021. Their bond grew stronger over the years, culminating in a joyous marriage on April 7, 2025, following Australia's victory in the Women's T20 World Cup in 2023. Beyond international play, Ashleigh Gardner represents the Gujarat Giants in the Women's Premier League (WPL) and served as their captain during the recently concluded WPL 2025 season. Under her leadership, the team showed remarkable improvement compared to previous years, where she contributed with both bat and ball, scoring 243 runs in 9 matches and claiming 8 wickets. Ashleigh Gardner's international cricket journey began with her WTest debut on July 18, 2019, against England Women in Taunton. She played her first WODI match on March 2, 2017, against New Zealand Women in Mount Maunganui, and her WT20I debut on February 17, 2017, against New Zealand Women in Melbourne. Details about Ashleigh Gardner's religious beliefs remain undisclosed, as she has chosen not to share this aspect of her life publicly. Regarding her heritage, she is of Aboriginal Australian descent, specifically from the Muruwari community. Born in Bankstown, Sydney, Ashleigh Gardner's passion for cricket developed at an early age. Her journey was shaped by personal challenges, as she lost her mother just five days after birth and later faced the passing of her foster parents. Much of her childhood was spent in a boarding school in Orange, where she found support and encouragement on her path to professional cricket. Her father, Jim Gardner, played a pivotal role in nurturing her cricketing talent by enrolling her in the Revesby Workers Cricket Club in New South Wales. Her mother, Katherine Goodwin, passed away shortly after her birth, leaving a lasting impact on her upbringing. Ashleigh Gardner has an older brother named Aaron Gardner, who has been a constant source of motivation and support throughout her cricket career. The siblings often played cricket together in their backyard as children, fostering her love for the game. Ashleigh Gardner is the only girl in her family, having no sisters, only her brother. Her digital presence is limited to platforms like X and Instagram, as she does not maintain an official Facebook account, though unverified profiles under her name may exist. Her jersey number, 63, is a tribute to her cricketing idol, the legendary Shane Warne. Before her marriage to Monica Wright, Ashleigh Gardner was previously in a relationship with Bridget Patterson. Being one of the prominent openly homosexual cricketers, she has often been in the spotlight for her personal life. Monica Wright is Ashleigh Gardner's current partner and wife. The couple began dating in 2021 and grew inseparable over time. Their relationship culminated in a beautiful wedding ceremony on April 7, 2025. As of 2025, Ashleigh Gardner's net worth is estimated to be between $3 and $4 million, primarily generated through her central contract with Cricket Australia and participation in various global cricket leagues. Her annual earnings from the Australian central contract range from $110,000 to $140,000. In the WPL, she earned ₹3.20 crore, while her Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) income is around $133,000 per year. Her financial portfolio also includes earnings from brand endorsements and sponsorship agreements. Renowned as a seasoned all-rounder for the Australian women's cricket team, Ashleigh Gardner has consistently delivered strong performances since her international debut. Her WTest debut came on July 18, 2019, against England Women in Taunton. She made her WODI debut on March 2, 2017, against New Zealand Women in Mount Maunganui, and her WT20I debut on February 17, 2017, against New Zealand Women in Melbourne. Ashleigh Gardner excels as both a batter and a bowler, contributing significantly to the team. In 7 Test matches, she has claimed 28 wickets and scored 325 runs. Additionally, she has featured in 82 ODIs for Australia, accumulating 1442 runs and taking 105 wickets. In T20Is, she has played 96 matches, scoring 1411 runs and securing 78 wickets. In the WPL, Ashleigh Gardner has amassed 567 runs in 25 matches at a strike rate of 141.75 and an average of 24.65, including 5 half-centuries. With the ball, she has taken 25 wickets in 25 matches, maintaining an economy rate of 8.34. Ashleigh Gardner's cricketing achievements are a testament to her skill and dedication. She was part of the Australian team that won the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2018, 2020, and 2023. She also contributed to Australia's gold medal victory at the Commonwealth Games in 2022 and has been honored with the Belinda Clark Award in both 2022 and 2024. In 2023, she received the Wisden Cricketer of the Year award. Below is a summary of her full achievements and awards: Ashleigh Gardner was born on April 15, 1997, in Bankstown, Sydney, New South Wales. Which team does Ashleigh Gardner captain in the WPL? Ashleigh Gardner serves as the captain of the Gujarat Giants in the Women's Premier League (WPL). What is Ashleigh Gardner's jersey number? Ashleigh Gardner's jersey number is 63. What is Ashleigh Gardner's net worth and salary? Ashleigh Gardner's net worth and salary are estimated to be around $3 to $4 million. All images included are for editorial use only and are licensed exclusively through Getty/Source.