The Sydney Sixers Women have named Ashleigh Gardner as their new captain for the Women's Big Bash League season, replacing Ellyse Perry, who led the team since the inaugural 2015-16 season. Perry guided the Sixers to back-to-back titles in the second and third editions, but the team has struggled recently, missing the finals in five of the past six seasons. The 28-year-old Gardner is a club veteran with records for 135 matches and 102 wickets, ranking third in runs with 2607. She currently captains Gujarat Giants in the WPL and Trent Rockets in The Hundred. The franchise also welcomed newly-appointed head coach Matthew Mott, former coach of Australia's women's team and England's men's white-ball squad. Perry will remain with the Sixers for at least three more seasons. Alyssa Healy will miss the season opener due to a thumb injury sustained during the World Cup semi-final.
Leadership Transition and Season Outlook
Gardner expressed her honor at being appointed captain of the club she has represented throughout her career. She credited her learning from previous leaders including Perry and Healy at the Sixers. Perry praised Gardner's contributions both on and off the field, highlighting her strong commitment to leadership as an exciting foundation for the team this season. The Sixers will begin their WBBL campaign against the Perth Scorchers on Sunday at the WACA. Healy's thumb injury recovery is progressing well, and her condition will be reassessed when she returns to training next week. Meanwhile, Melbourne Renegades captain Sophie Molineux will miss the first two matches due to a minor quad strain, with Georgia Wareham serving as stand-in captain.
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