Australia women’s vice-captain Ashleigh Gardner broke her silence on her separation from Monica Wright on Thursday, acknowledging the end of their marriage, apologising for the pain caused and asking for privacy around the matter.
Gardner addressed the controversy in an Instagram statement, her first public response since the breakdown of her marriage became a major talking point around Australian cricket.
The statement came after Wright publicly accused Gardner of having an affair with fellow Australia cricketer Georgia Voll. Wright had identified Voll in an Instagram post after reports emerged about the couple’s separation. Gardner had not previously responded publicly to the allegations, while Voll has also not commented.
Gardner did not directly address the allegations involving Voll in her statement. Instead, the 29-year-old acknowledged the impact of the separation and expressed regret over the pain caused.
“I am grateful for the time Monica and I shared and sorry for the pain this has caused,” Gardner said in her statement.
Gardner also said she would not make any further public comment on the matter and asked that the privacy of everyone involved be respected.
The Australia vice-captain also acknowledged the support she had received from Cricket Australia during the difficult period. Gardner said she was grateful that the CA Board had chosen to back her and that she remained focused on her responsibilities with the Australian team.
The statement came after reports surrounding the breakdown of Gardner and Wright’s marriage prompted wider scrutiny of Gardner’s position within the Australian team.
Gardner and Wright had publicly appeared together during Australia’s 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup campaign in India. Wright had travelled to support Gardner during the tournament, with the couple also sharing moments from the trip on social media.
Their separation subsequently became public, with reports claiming their relationship had broken down later in the year. Wright then made the allegations involving Voll public through social media.
Gardner was appointed Australia’s co-vice-captain alongside Tahlia McGrath earlier this year and remains one of the senior figures in the national team. She was also named the ICC Women’s ODI Player of the Year.
Gardner’s statement sought to draw a line under the public discussion around her personal life, with the all-rounder making clear that she would not elaborate further.
“I won’t be making any further public comment on this matter at this time and ask that the privacy of those involved is respected,” Gardner said.
Gardner will now look to move forward with her cricketing responsibilities, with the Australia vice-captain continuing in her leadership role.
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