Australia cricket vice-captain Gardner speaks after marriage breakdown

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 27 Oct, 05:44 · Archive

Australia vice-captain Ashleigh Gardner has said cricket provided an escape following her marriage breakdown earlier this year. Her estranged wife Monica Wright publicly accused Gardner of infidelity with Australia team-mate Georgia Voll in an Instagram post in July. Gardner and Voll are now understood to be in a relationship.

Speaking at the Sydney Sixers' season launch on Monday, the 29-year-old acknowledged the toll of a difficult period but said her cricket commitments had helped her maintain perspective. 'Cricket's been a really fantastic escape,' she said. 'It's been a bit of a shining light.' She thanked team-mates for their support, noting that while her private life had become public, those around her had backed her through the scrutiny.

Gardner apologised in August for the pain caused by the breakdown of her marriage. Cricket Australia knew about the relationship before Wright's public comments and backed Gardner to continue as vice-captain despite scrutiny over her leadership position. The Sydney Sixers also retained her as captain for the Women's Big Bash League season.

How it is being reported

• Cricketer Ash Gardner details 'challenging' toll of marriage scandal after her wife accused her of cheating with her teammateAsh Gardner has admitted there were days when the fallout from her marriage breakdown was difficult to shut out, as the Australian cricket star thanked teammates for helping her through the controversyDaily Mail Sport · 27 Oct, 05:24
• Australia vice-captain Ashleigh Gardner hails ‘escape’ after team-mate affair controversyAshleigh Gardner’s marriage broke down earlier this year with her former partner criticising the cricketer for her relationship with Australia team-mate Georgia VollIndependent Sport · 26 Oct, 15:43

In this story: Ashleigh Gardner · Monica Wright · Georgia Voll · Cricket Australia · Sydney Sixers · Australia

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