Australia vice-captain Gardner glad for cricket's 'escape' after personal turmoil
· CNA · JoinRead a summary of this article on FAST.
Get bite-sized news via a new
cards interface. Give it a try.
Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST
FAST
MELBOURNE, Oct 26 : Australia vice-captain Ashleigh Gardner says cricket has provided a welcome escape during a challenging period in her personal life, as she thanked teammates for their support following the breakdown of her marriage.
Gardner's marriage broke down earlier in the year, with her former partner Monica Wright criticising the cricketer for her relationship with Australia teammate Georgia Voll on social media.
Cricket Australia knew about the relationship before Wright's comments and the governing body backed the all-rounder to continue as vice-captain despite scrutiny over her leadership position.
Speaking at the Sydney Sixers' season launch in Sydney on Monday, Gardner acknowledged the toll of a difficult period for her personally but said her cricket commitments had helped her maintain perspective.
CNA Games
Guess Word
Crack the word, one row at a time
Buzzword
Create words using the given letters
Mini Sudoku
Tiny puzzle, mighty brain teaser
Mini Crossword
Small grid, big challenge
Word Search
Spot as many words as you can
Show More
Show Less
"Challenging, but cricket has been a fantastic escape," she told reporters.
"Being able to win the World Cup and have success in The Hundred campaign as well was great.
"I have had some fantastic people around me to be there when I've needed them, and cricket has been great because I know the people around me support me. They know the type of person I am."
Sixers captain Gardner apologised in August in a statement for the pain caused by her marriage breakdown and thanked Cricket Australia for backing her leadership.
The Sixers also stood by Gardner, announcing in July she would remain captain for the Women's Big Bash League season.
“Obviously this club means a lot to me (and) to have the backing from the people at the top,” she said.
Newsletter
Recommended Read
Subscribe to CNA's Recommended Read
A single handpicked story that we think you shouldn't miss. Just one a day.
Sign up for our newsletters
Get our pick of top stories and thought-provoking articles in your inbox
Get the CNA app
Stay updated with notifications for breaking news and our best stories
Get WhatsApp alerts
Join our channel for the top reads for the day on your preferred chat app