Ashleigh Gardner: 'Cricket's been a fantastic escape' after marriage breakdown
Synopsis
Australia vice-captain Ashleigh Gardner has broken her silence on the cheating scandal that followed her split with Monica Wright, calling cricket 'a really fantastic escape' through one of the most turbulent personal periods of her career — all while captaining sides to a T20 World Cup and a Women's Hundred title.
Key Takeaways
Ashleigh Gardner spoke publicly for the first time about the marriage breakdown and cheating allegations involving teammate Georgia Voll .
Estranged wife Monica Wright alleged an affair in July this year; Gardner is now in a relationship with Voll.
Gardner credited cricket as 'a really fantastic escape' and praised support from teammates and the Sydney Sixers organisation.
During the controversy, Gardner captained Australia to the T20 World Cup title and led Trent Rockets to the Women's Hundred title.
The 29-year-old all-rounder is set to lead the Sydney Sixers in the Women's Big Bash League , which begins on Thursday .
Australia vice-captain Ashleigh Gardner has spoken publicly for the first time about the cheating allegations that disrupted her personal life, describing the period of her marriage breakdown as 'challenging' and crediting cricket as 'a really fantastic escape' that helped her stay grounded.
Gardner Breaks Her Silence
Speaking ahead of the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) season launch on Monday, Gardner addressed the controversy that surfaced when her estranged wife, Monica Wright, alleged the Aussie star had an affair with teammate Georgia Voll in July this year. Gardner is now in a relationship with Voll.
'Cricket's been a really fantastic escape … it's been a bit of a shining light,' Gardner, the Sydney Sixers captain, said, as quoted by the Sydney Morning Herald at the franchise's season launch. 'It's obviously been challenging. Yes, it's my private life, but I guess these things become more of a public matter,' she added.
Context: World Cup Win and the Hundred Title
The allegations from Wright emerged after Australia won the T20 World Cup earlier this year and just before Gardner was set to captain the Trent Rockets in the Women's Hundred — a campaign she led to the title. Gardner reflected on those victories with gratitude, acknowledging the support system around her.
'Being able to win the World Cup and have success in the Hundred campaign as well (was great). 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,' she said.
Compartmentalising the Pressure
The 29-year-old all-rounder acknowledged that maintaining focus amid personal turmoil was not always easy. 'There were certainly days that it was tough,' she said. 'That's my job at the end of the day. Life still happens (and it is about) being able to put my full focus into whatever I guess was needed from me, and that's obviously cricket.'
Gardner said her relationships with teammates were a key anchor during that difficult stretch. 'I've made some fantastic friends throughout my career and certainly being able to rely on them at times (was helpful). When you've got a platform, you have a platform. Cricket has been one of those things that has brought me back to why I'm here,' she added.
On Being a Role Model
Gardner also reflected on the weight of responsibility that comes with her profile as a high-profile Australian cricketer. 'Being a role model, people look up to you and whether that's your reputation and things like that. There are so many things to take out of what's happened,' she said. 'I don't really need to go into detail of the specific learnings, but I think just being able to rely on people has been a massive thing because I feel like sometimes you don't realise the support you need until you really need it.'
She also paid tribute to Sydney Sixers general manager Rachael Haynes, saying the club's backing had meant a great deal during the difficult period.
What's Next on the Field
The Women's Big Bash League gets underway on Thursday, with Gardner's Sydney Sixers in action on Friday against the Brisbane Heat. After a season marked by personal scrutiny, the cricket ground is where Gardner has said she feels most purposeful — and most herself.
Point of View
Deliberate in what it withholds. She speaks of 'learnings' without detailing them, and of the public interest in her private life as something that 'becomes' a matter of record, not something she caused. The real story here is how elite sport functions as both shield and spotlight: cricket gave her purpose when her personal life was unravelling, but it also kept her under scrutiny that a private individual would never face. For women's cricket in Australia, the episode is a test of whether the sport's growing media profile creates accountability expectations it is still learning to handle.
NationPress
26 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Ashleigh Gardner say about her marriage breakdown?
Gardner described the period as 'challenging' and said cricket had been 'a really fantastic escape' that helped her stay focused. She acknowledged that while it was her private life, such matters inevitably become public when you are a high-profile athlete.
What were the allegations made by Monica Wright?
Gardner's estranged wife, Monica Wright, alleged in July this year that Gardner had an affair with Australia and Sydney Sixers teammate Georgia Voll. Gardner is now in a relationship with Voll.
How did Ashleigh Gardner perform during this personal turmoil?
Despite the off-field controversy, Gardner captained Australia to the T20 World Cup title and led Trent Rockets to the Women's Hundred title in the same period, widely regarded as two of the biggest wins of her career.
When does the Women's Big Bash League start for Sydney Sixers?
The Women's Big Bash League gets underway on Thursday, with Gardner's Sydney Sixers playing their first match on Friday against the Brisbane Heat.
What did Gardner say about her role as a role model?
Gardner acknowledged the weight of being a public figure, saying people look up to you and that her reputation is tied to her conduct. She said the experience had reinforced the importance of leaning on trusted people around her.
