Ashleigh Gardner is not just a cricketer — she is a powerhouse, a fighter, and a proud representative of her people. From humble beginnings to becoming one of Australia’s most explosive all-rounders, Gardner’s story is full of strength, courage, and dreams coming true. With her deadly spin bowling and fearless batting, she has won matches for her country and hearts around the world. But behind all the cricketing success, there’s a story of deep cultural pride, personal growth, and big dreams.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ashleigh Katherine Gardner |
| Date of Birth | April 15, 1997 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 28 years |
| Birthplace | Bankstown, New South Wales, Australia |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm approx.) |
| Batting Style | Right-hand bat |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm off-break |
| Role | All-rounder |
| International Debut | T20I – Feb 17, 2017 vs NZ |
| ODI – Mar 2, 2017 vs NZ | |
| Test – Jul 11, 2019 vs England | |
| Teams Played For | Australia, NSW Breakers, Sydney Sixers, Gujarat Giants |
| Relationship Status | In a relationship with Monique Fisher |
| Religion | Christian |
| Ethnicity | Indigenous Australian (Muruwari heritage) |
| Foundation | Ashleigh Gardner Foundation |
| Known For | Powerful batting, cultural pride, activism |
Early Life and Background
Ashleigh Katherine Gardner was born on April 15, 1997, in Bankstown, New South Wales, Australia. She grew up in a loving family and is proud of her Indigenous roots. Ashleigh belongs to the Muruwari tribe — a fact she carries close to her heart.
As a little girl, Ashleigh loved sports. She played cricket in her backyard and always wanted to become a professional player. Her parents noticed her passion early and supported her in every way. Her dad often threw balls for her to hit, and her mom cheered for her at every game.
Cricket Career: Rising Through the Ranks
Ashleigh started playing cricket seriously at a young age. She joined local teams and trained hard. Soon, her talent was noticed by selectors, and she got picked for New South Wales junior teams. Her powerful batting and tricky off-spin bowling made her stand out.
Domestic Debut
Ashleigh began her domestic cricket journey with New South Wales Breakers in the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL). She also joined the Sydney Sixers in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). There, she made headlines by smashing big sixes and taking key wickets. Her aggressive style made her a fan favorite.
International Debut
Ashleigh’s dream came true in 2017 when she made her international debut for Australia. She played her first T20I match against New Zealand on February 17, 2017. Later that year, she made her ODI debut on March 2 and her Test debut on July 11 against England.
She quickly became a key player in the Australian team. Her ability to hit quick runs and break partnerships with her bowling made her a true all-rounder.
Major Achievements
- 2018 ICC Women’s World T20 Champion
- 2020 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Winner
- Ashes 2023 Hero with 12 wickets in the Test match
- Player of the Match and Series awards in multiple games
- WBBL titles with Sydney Sixers
Her performance in the 2023 Women’s Ashes Test match was historic. She took 12 wickets, the most by an Australian woman in a single Test. That performance earned her praise from all corners of the cricket world.
Family and Roots
Ashleigh is very close to her family. Her parents, Jim and Katherine Gardner, always supported her cricket dreams. Her bond with her younger brother is also strong, and she often shares family photos on social media.
What makes Ashleigh special is her deep love for her Indigenous roots. She proudly wears the Aboriginal flag on her gear and speaks about the importance of her culture. She often works with Indigenous communities to inspire young kids to chase their dreams.
Relationship and Boyfriend
Ashleigh Gardner is currently in a relationship with Monique Fisher, a talented netball player. They have been open about their love and often post lovely moments together on Instagram. Their relationship shows confidence, pride, and support for each other’s careers.
Ashleigh’s openness has made her a role model for many people in the LGBTQ+ community. She continues to spread messages of love, respect, and pride through her actions and words.
Education and Interests
Ashleigh completed her schooling in New South Wales but focused more on her cricket than academics. While she did not pursue a long university career, she has always been smart, sharp, and full of curiosity.
Beyond cricket, Ashleigh loves art and painting. She enjoys creating Indigenous art and often paints in her free time. Her artwork connects her with her culture and helps her relax after busy matches.
Controversies and Bold Statements
Ashleigh Gardner is known for speaking her mind. One major controversy came in 2023, when Australia played a Test match on January 26 — Australia Day. For many Indigenous Australians, this date marks a painful history, and Ashleigh voiced her discomfort about playing on this day.
She posted a message expressing that January 26 was not a day of celebration for Indigenous people and that playing on that day did not sit well with her. This sparked a big conversation in the cricket world. Some supported her, while others criticized her. But Ashleigh stood firm. She said she would always stand up for what she believes in, even if it brings backlash.
Her courage to speak up has earned her respect from both fans and fellow players. She continues to use her platform to talk about equality, fairness, and inclusion.
Ashleigh Gardner Foundation
In 2021, Ashleigh launched the Ashleigh Gardner Foundation. The foundation works to support Indigenous kids, especially girls, in sports and education. She believes every child deserves a chance to shine, no matter where they come from.
Her foundation hosts programs, workshops, and events to teach kids about leadership, teamwork, and the power of dreams. Through her foundation, Ashleigh is shaping future stars and making a real difference in communities.
Playing Style and Strengths
Ashleigh Gardner is one of the most powerful hitters in women’s cricket. She doesn’t just bat — she smashes the ball over the boundary. Her fearless style puts pressure on bowlers and gives her team quick runs.
As a bowler, her off-spin is sharp and smart. She bowls with accuracy and often breaks important partnerships. Her ability to read the batter’s mind makes her a dangerous bowler in all formats.
On the field, she’s full of energy. Whether she’s diving to save runs or shouting to encourage her teammates, Ashleigh brings life to every game.
Impact and Legacy
Ashleigh Gardner is more than a cricketer. She is a symbol of strength, a voice for the voiceless, and a true Aussie legend. Her story proves that you can stay true to your roots while achieving global success.
She inspires Indigenous kids, LGBTQ+ youth, and young athletes across the world. Her journey teaches us that success isn’t just about trophies — it’s about staying kind, being brave, and standing for what’s right.
