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Australian cricket superstar Ashleigh Gardner recently embraced one of the most memorable and cherished milestones of her personal life, as she married her long-time partner Monica Wright in a beautiful and intimate ceremony.
Ashleigh Gardner ties the knot with Monica Wright in a heartfelt ceremony
The wedding, held in the presence of close family and friends, was a true reflection of love, companionship, and celebration. Gardner, known for her fierce competitiveness on the field and composed demeanor off it, took to social media to share glimpses of the joyous occasion. The heartfelt event brought full circle the engagement she had announced in April 2024, when she wrote, ‘Mrs. Gardner has a nice ring to it,’ while proudly displaying her engagement ring alongside Monica.
This recent wedding was more than just a union of two individuals – it symbolized love that has flourished alongside Gardner’s burgeoning cricket career. The event, simple yet profoundly touching, was graced by several prominent names from Australia’s cricketing fraternity, reinforcing the strong bonds shared among teammates even beyond the pitch.
Cricketing royalty in attendance: A day of love and friendship
The ceremony saw an impressive gathering of cricketing stalwarts who stood by Ashleigh and Monica in this special moment. Among those present were Kim Garth, batter Elyse Villani, rising star Phoebe Litchfield and Australian captain Alyssa Healy. Their presence added a distinct flavor of camaraderie to the wedding, showcasing not just support for Gardner’s happiness but the genuine friendships that have evolved over the years through shared victories, defeats, and countless hours on the road. Villani and Healy, both known to be among Gardner’s closest friends, shared pictures and heartfelt captions, celebrating not only the love of the newlyweds but also the strength of unity among women in cricket.
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A stellar year on and off the field for Gardner
Gardner’s wedding comes at the end of what has been a landmark year in her cricketing career. In the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025, she was handed the captaincy of Gujarat Giants, taking over from Beth Mooney. Under her leadership, the franchise scripted an inspiring turnaround. After two dismal seasons where the Giants failed to reach the playoffs, Gardner led from the front and guided the team to the knockout stage. Despite a heartbreaking loss in the Eliminator to Mumbai Indians, Gardner’s leadership was widely praised.
With the bat, she was instrumental in her team’s resurgence, amassing 243 runs in nine matches, with her highest score being an unbeaten 79. She also contributed significantly with the ball, taking eight wickets and often providing crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs. Her all-round performance and calm leadership drew acclaim from former players and commentators, cementing her legacy not just as a world-class player but also a mature, tactical leader.