Gardner addresses cheating allegations, acknowledges ‘shining light’
Superstar Australian all-rounder Ash Gardner has spoken publicly about the cheating allegations that rocked her private life, admitting having cricket to fall back on has helped her throughout the rocky period.
Gardner’s estranged wife, Monica Wright, alleged in an Instagram post in July that Australia’s vice-captain had an affair with teammate Georgia Voll.
Ash Gardner speaking to media on Monday. Dominic Lorrimer
Gardner and Voll are now in a relationship.
Gardner, the captain of the Sydney Sixers, spoke publicly about the saga in North Sydney on Monday, ahead of her WBBL side’s season-opening game against the Brisbane Heat on Friday.
“Cricket’s been a really fantastic escape … It’s been a bit of a shining light,” the 29-year-old said.
“It’s obviously been challenging.
“Yes, it’s my private life, but I guess these things become more of a public matter.
“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.”
While Gardner’s life outside cricket has been bumpy, she’s enjoyed a dreamy few months on the field.
Since the start of July, she’s helped Australia win another T20 World Cup, captained the Trent Rockets to glory in the UK’s Hundred tournament, and starred in limited-overs games against Bangladesh and New Zealand.
In a T20 against New Zealand last week, she cracked 84 off 45 balls and took 2-17 to lead Australia to victory and claim player of the match.
“I’m always trying to be the best teammate I can be in whatever team I represent,” Gardner said.
“Being able to captain a couple of sides throughout that period 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.
“Being able to win the World Cup and have success in the Hundred campaign as well (was important).”
Georgia Voll. Chris Hyde/Getty Images
Gardner admitted there were times when the turmoil in her personal life was difficult to block out as she tried to focus on cricket.
“There were certainly days that it was tough,” she said.
“That (playing cricket) is 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 was needed from me, and that’s obviously cricket.
“(It was a matter of) 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 (has helped me).”
Despite the saga, Gardner retained the Australian vice-captaincy and will skipper the Sixers in another WBBL campaign.
The WBBL season will begin with a double header at Junction Oval in Melbourne on Thursday, with the Melbourne Renegades facing the Sydney Thunder and the Melbourne Stars taking on the Hobart Hurricanes.
The Hurricanes are the reigning WBBL champions.
