WPL star Ashleigh Gardner has broken her silence after missing out on the Australia captaincy, admitting she felt disappointed but remains determined to contribute as a leader. The experienced all-rounder was considered a frontrunner for the role following Alyssa Healy’s retirement, yet Cricket Australia opted for Sophie Molineux instead.

The WPL standout revealed she had mentally prepared for both outcomes but acknowledged the disappointment when the decision went against her. Gardner emphasized that her desire to lead stems from genuine care for the team and its long-term direction. Despite the setback, she quickly expressed support for Molineux and praised her leadership qualities.

Although she missed the top job, the WPL performer has been appointed joint vice-captain alongside Tahlia McGrath. Gardner believes leadership is not defined solely by a title and stressed her intention to influence the squad positively. At 28, she remains open to future opportunities if selectors consider her again for the captaincy role.

The discussion around leadership follows Australia’s semi-final exit at the ODI World Cup, which left their ICC trophy cabinet empty for the first time since 2017. Gardner noted that understanding pressure moments and refining mindset strategies will be key ahead of upcoming international commitments and the next WPL season.

With the WPL continuing to elevate global women’s cricket, Gardner’s resilience and leadership mindset position her as a central figure in Australia’s evolving structure.