Gardner named the new Sydney Sixers captain to further cement leadership chops as she replaces Ellyse Perry.
Gardner takes captaincy step with Sydney Sixers leadership.
Ashleigh Gardner, who succeeded Ellyse Perry as captain of the Sydney Sixers, a WBBL team looking to regain their previous status, will continue to grow as a leader.
After leading the Sixers since their first season in 2015–16 and winning back-to-back titles in the second and third WBBL seasons, Perry’s departure marks the beginning of a new era. However, after missing out on the finals in five of the previous six seasons, the Sixers’ reputation as an on-field powerhouse has diminished.
Under Gardner and new head coach Matthew Mott, a former coach of the England men’s white-ball team and the Australian women’s team, the Sixers are undergoing a significant makeover.
Gardner, 28, has been a key member of the Sixers since the beginning. He is third for runs (2607) and holds the club record for games (135) and wickets (102). She has long been seen as Australia’s future captain, and she has made significant contributions to the promotion of Indigenous heritage and culture throughout the years.
Gardner is a potential replacement for Alyssa Healy, who stated that the most recent ODI World Cup will be her final one in that format.
“I’m honoured to be appointed captain of the Sydney Sixers, a club I’ve proudly represented for my whole career,” Gardner said. “Over the past decade I’ve learned from some amazing leaders, including Pez [ Perry] and Midge [Healy] at the Sixers, and I can’t wait to lead the team.”
Perry, 35, will remain at Sixers for at least the next three seasons. “It’s been an immense pleasure to have the opportunity to lead the Sixers over the last ten years,” she said.
“Ash has offered so much to Sixers on-and-off the field and her strong interest in giving her best as a leader will be an exciting starting point for our team this season.”