Sydney, Nov 7 (NationPress) Australia all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner has been appointed as the captain of Sydney Sixers for the upcoming Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) season, taking over from the legendary Ellyse Perry. Perry, who has captained the team since its founding in 2015, is regarded as one of the greatest players in women's cricket.

Gardner holds the record for the most appearances (135) and wickets (102) in the club's history, and she ranks third for total runs scored (2607). Over the last decade wearing the magenta jersey, she has helped secure two league titles in WBBL seasons 2 and 3 and has received both the Player of the Tournament award in season 8 and the Young Gun award in season 2.

"I’m truly honored to take on the captaincy of the Sydney Sixers, a club that has been my home throughout my career. In the last ten years, I’ve been fortunate to learn from incredible leaders like Pez (Ellyse Perry) and Midge (Alyssa Healy), and I’m excited to lead the team in WBBL 11," said Gardner.

Perry expressed her pride in Gardner's new role, stating, "Leading the Sixers for the past decade has been an immense joy. I have gained so much from this experience, and it’s wonderful to see Ash step up as captain. She has contributed immensely on and off the field, and I believe her leadership will be a fantastic foundation for our team this season. With Ben and Charlotte as our coaches, we have a strong support system for every player’s development. Working with them has been a highlight of my career," she added.

Perry's impressive legacy includes 4689 league runs at an average of 48.84, making her second only to Beth Mooney. She is a two-time Player of the Tournament (WBBL 4 and 10) and has led the league in runs three times (WBBL 3, 4, and 10). Her impact as a leader will resonate for years to come, especially as she has mentored the next generation of players, including Gardner.

Sydney Sixers General Manager Rachael Haynes congratulated Gardner on her captaincy, saying, "Ash has grown tremendously as a leader; she’s an exceptional player and will be key to the club’s future success. I’m thrilled to see her take on this role while Pez is still part of the team to provide her with guidance as a senior leader. It’s a proud moment to hand the captaincy to Ash, and I’m confident she will make the role her own. We thank Pez for her remarkable leadership and congratulate her on the legacy she leaves behind," she said.

The Sixers will commence their WBBL 11 season against the Perth Scorchers at WACA on Sunday.