All-round brilliance: Sixers make leadership change with Ash Gardner announced as new captain

Updated: March 18, 2026

All-round brilliance: Sixers make leadership change with Ash Gardner announced as new captain

The Sydney Sixers will have a new captain in this season’s WBBL, with all-rounder Ash Gardner to replace inaugural skipper Ellyse Perry as the women in magenta look to bounce back following last year’s underwhelming campaign.

Gardner said she was “honoured” to lead a team featuring Australian legends Perry and Alyssa Healy as they begin their campaign in Perth on Sunday just a week after their heartbreaking World Cup semi-final loss.

Gardner is the club’s leading wicket-taker (102), has played the most WBBL matches (135) and only sits behind Perry and Healy for most runs scored for the Sixers.

Ash Gardner will captain the Sixers in this season’s WBBL. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

“I’m honoured to be appointed captain of the Sydney Sixers, a club I’ve proudly represented for my whole career,” the two-time WBBL champion said.

“Over the past decade I’ve learned from some amazing leaders, including Pez (Perry) and Midge (Healy) at the Sixers, and I can’t wait to lead the team in WBBL|11.

“Our fans are the best in the league and their support over the past decade has been incredible. I know the whole squad is hungry to bring them a third WBBL trophy this year.”

The move could be a disaster for rival teams given Perry can now focus solely on piling on the runs, something she’s done for the past decade to be one of the greatest cricketers in the world.

Gardner can lean on Ellyse Perry and Alyssa Healy for help. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

“It’s been an immense pleasure to have the opportunity to lead the Sixers over the last 10 years,” she said.

“The role has given me so much joy and fulfilment, more so than I ever would have imagined and I have benefited so much from all the experiences and learning opportunities it has given me over that time.

“We have always had a strong group of leaders at the club, and whilst I have been fortunate to have the title of captain, the contributions to the group from everyone involved has always been monumental.

“Ash has offered so much to the Sixers on and off the field and her strong interest in giving her best as a leader will be an exciting starting point for our team this season. I know everyone is so looking forward to WBBL|11.”