Sixers skipper Ash Gardner says the past few weeks have been “challenging” and have taught her plenty, with the star all-rounder thanking the club and those close to her for sticking by her and helping her shift her focus back to cricket.
Gardner’s marriage broke down earlier in the year, with her ex-wife Monica Wright calling her out for having an affair with Australian teammate Georgia Voll.
Gardner, who is Australia’s vice-captain, addressed the situation at the Sixers’ season launch in North Sydney.
“Challenging, but cricket has been a fantastic escape,” she replied when asked how the past couple of months had been.
“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.
“I am always trying to be the best teammate I can be in whatever team I represent, and being able to captain a couple of sides throughout that period draws me back to focusing on other people.
“There is stuff going on in my life, but being able to show up for my teammates and the clubs I represent is the most important thing, and hopefully my performances showcase that.”
The story came out just after Australia won the T20 World Cup, with Gardner then winning The Hundred competition in England the following month.
“There were certainly days that were tough, but being able to focus on cricket – which is my job at the end of the day – is something I can go back to,” she said.
“I know I am in different parts of the world for a reason, and being able to compartmentalise that stuff, knowing life still happens, but putting my full focus into what is needed from me is key.
“Being able to focus on having really good relationships with my teammates is important because they are ultimately going to be there to see the good days and the bad.
“I have made some fantastic friends throughout my career and can rely on them to know I have great support. Cricket has been a shining light; life happens, and when you have a platform, cricket brings me back to why I am here.”
While it’s been a rollercoaster for her off the field, Gardner has found form just in time for the WBBL, which begins this week.
The veteran batter whacked a superb 84 for Australia in the second T20 against New Zealand last week and answered everything thrown her way on Monday.
She says she’s learnt “plenty of things” over the past few months as her private life has been on full display, with Gardner thanking the Sixers and outgoing general manager Rachael Haynes for their support.
“Having a platform and being a role model means people look up to you regarding your reputation,” she said.
“There are so many things to take out of what has happened. Yes, it is my private life, but these things become more of a public matter.
“There are plenty of learnings without going into specific details, but being able to rely on people has been a massive thing.
“Sometimes you don’t realise the support you need until you really need it, and the people around me have been amazing.
“This club means a lot to me, and having the backing from the people at the top is incredible.
“I cannot thank them enough for giving me the opportunity to lead this side and a fantastic group of players; it is really exciting for me and a cool opportunity to keep doing.”