Ashleigh Gardner’s position as vice-captain of the Australia women’s cricket team is under renewed scrutiny following comments from her estranged wife, Monica Wright. Wright has publicly called for Gardner to be removed from the leadership role and has questioned Cricket Australia’s handling of allegations surrounding their marriage.
In an interview with Code Sports, Wright criticised Cricket Australia’s silence regarding her public accusations that Gardner had an affair with Australian teammate Georgia Voll. Wright argued that a leadership position carries a responsibility to maintain a high moral standard.
Allegations and calls for action
Wright stated that she believes if one is privileged enough to represent their country and serve as a role model, there is an expectation to uphold high moral standards. She expressed confusion as to why Cricket Australia has not publicly addressed the matter, asking if their silence implies support for the actions of Gardner and Voll.
Wright initially identified Voll in an Instagram post in July, alleging that Voll was involved in an affair with Gardner. Gardner and Wright have since separated, and photographs of each other have been removed from their social media accounts.
Neither Gardner nor Voll has publicly responded to Wright’s allegations. Cricket Australia has also not publicly commented on the specific allegations, maintaining that it regards the situation as a private and personal matter.
Wright believes that the allegations should have consequences for Gardner’s standing within Australian cricket. She argued that an individual cannot have an affair with a junior member of staff, especially when there is a clear power imbalance, and still remain in a leadership position. According to Wright, captains are expected to set a high standard, and such conduct falls short of it.
Cricket Australia, in response to Wright’s comments, stated that it ensures all relationships within its workforce comply with its Respect at Work policy. This includes implementing appropriate conflict-of-interest management arrangements to support leadership responsibilities and maintain the integrity of team processes.
Impact on Gardner’s career
The controversy has brought focus not only to Gardner’s personal situation but also to how Cricket Australia manages relationships within its professional environment. Despite the ongoing scrutiny, Gardner’s standing with the Sydney Sixers, where she serves as captain in the Women’s Big Bash League, appears unaffected.
Rachael Haynes, General Manager for the Sixers, confirmed the club’s continued support for Gardner and stated their intention to recommend her continuation as captain. Haynes described Gardner as a well-respected and important player within their program. When asked directly if Gardner would remain Sixers captain, Haynes responded affirmatively.
Gardner made history last year when she became the first Indigenous cricketer to captain a Big Bash side, succeeding Ellyse Perry as Sixers captain. She remains a key member of the Australian team and was part of the squad that recently secured Australia’s seventh Women’s T20 World Cup title in eight final appearances.
Gardner’s leadership credentials have also received strong backing from the Sixers. Coach Matthew Mott previously praised Gardner’s development, noting her maturity and cricketing intelligence as factors that made her ready to lead the team. However, Wright’s recent comments have raised new questions regarding Gardner’s future leadership role with Australia.
Gardner and Wright were married in April 2025. Reports indicate their relationship experienced strain while Gardner was in India during the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup. Wright also travelled to India during the tournament, and a source described their meeting as awkward. The couple has since separated, with reports suggesting Gardner has moved out of their Sydney home.
The situation presents a challenge for Australian cricket, requiring a balance between players’ private lives, workplace responsibilities, and the expectations placed on those in leadership positions. Wright’s comments have intensified the examination of Cricket Australia’s approach to the matter, while Gardner and Voll have continued to maintain public silence on the allegations.
Gardner was part of the Australian side that recently defeated England in the T20 World Cup final at Lord’s.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
