SIXERS star Ashleigh Gardner is the second player to recommit to the Sixers for the upcoming WBBL season, with the NSW Allrounder joining Emily Leys in the magenta.
Gardner starred for the Sixers last season, showcasing her power with the bat at number three.
In a massive year for Gardner, she also led the Australian Indigenous Women’s Team in India while she was also selected for the Shooting Stars in their tour of Sri Lanka earlier this year.
“It’s been a really good off season in terms of cricket experience,” said Gardner of her Shooting Stars and Australian Indigenous Women’s team selections.
“To Captain the Indigenous Women’s team was a wonderful experience and I learned a lot from those involved. And it was also a great to be involved with the Shooting Stars and another national representative series.
“I had a great year last year with the Sixers but we feel like we have unfinished business and we hope we can go one better this season.”
Sixers WBBL Head Coach Ben Sawyer said Gardner was a great asset to the Sixers.
“Ash had an outstanding WBBL|01,” said Sawyer.
“Her feats with the bat were a big part of us turning our season around.
“She has a big role to play in WBBL|02 since teams now know what she is capable of. I am also looking forward to seeing what she can do with the ball in hand after a big off season working on this side of her game.”
Sixers General Manager Dominic Remond said that the WBBL|02 squad was coming together for the upcoming season.
“The Sixers had a very successful WBBL01 and looking to maintain the core of the team that represented the Club so well,” Remond said
“We had a really good look at the balance of the squad and have identified some key areas of improvement that will hopefully takes us to the next level for WBBL02. It is an exciting time for some of our upcoming talent like Ash and an opportunity for her to stamp her mark on the tournament.”
The Sixers start their WBBL|02 campaign on Sunday 11 December at North Sydney Oval against the Brisbane Heat.
Sydney Sixers WBBL|02 Squad: Ashleigh Gardner, Emily Leys