Ashleigh Gardner, an Australian cricketer, is renowned as an all-rounder. Her partner’s name is Bridget Patterson. Notably, she holds the distinction of being the first Indigenous player to participate in a cricket World Cup.
In 2017, during the Women’s World Cup, Gardner made history as the inaugural Indigenous Australian woman to compete in a cricket World Cup, leading Australia against Pakistan.
Gardner also made significant contributions during the Women’s Ashes series, where she showcased her prowess. In the first One Day International (ODI) match, she claimed three wickets in the initial innings. Additionally, she partnered with Alex Blackwell, forming a 39-run alliance off 29 balls. Despite her dismissal after facing only 18 balls, her two sixes and crucial contribution positioned Australia to require just two runs from the final over.
In April 2018, Ashleigh Gardner was among the fourteen players Cricket Australia selected for a national contract for the 2018-2019 season.
As for her marital status, Ashleigh Gardner is not married and does not have a husband. She is currently in a relationship with Bridget Patterson.
Acknowledged for her openness about her sexual orientation, Gardner, a talented Australian cricketer, is in a committed relationship with Bridget.
Gardner, a right-handed batter, represents the South Australian Scorpions in the Women’s National Cricket League and the Adelaide Strikers in the Women’s Big Bash League.
Bridget Patterson, born on April 12, 1994, hails from Kingscote, Australia.
Ashleigh Gardner’s Dating Life and Relationship
Ashleigh Gardner is currently in a lesbian relationship with another cricketer, Bridget Patterson. However, she has not disclosed details about her past dating life and relationships.
Presently, she shares a wonderful bond with Patterson, and it’s likely they will continue their relationship for a long time due to their shared passion for the sport.
Patterson, aged 27, developed her cricket skills by competing against boys while growing up as the daughter of lavender farmers in Emu Bay, Kangaroo Island. She attributes her success in women’s cricket to that experience.
Meet Ashleigh Gardner’s Parents, Jim and Katherine
Ashleigh’s parents are Jim and Katherine Gardener. Her mother’s ancestors hail from the Muruwari clan, while they originate from rural Wales.
The parents of Ashleigh Gardner, though less renowned, are often mentioned by the cricketer in her interviews. Her brother’s name is Aaron. Despite being a proud Aboriginal woman, Gardner had not visited the Muruwari land, her mother’s ancestral home, for many years.
In recent times, Gardner has expressed a desire to delve deeper into her Muruwari heritage over the past three or four years. However, her demanding cricket schedule, followed by the COVID-19 lockdown, has prevented her from visiting the area.
Ashleigh Gardner’s Remarkable Performance Against India in Commonwealth Games
As women’s T20 cricket made its debut at the Commonwealth Games in Edgbaston, Ashleigh Gardner played a crucial role in securing victory for Australia against India, the gold medal contenders.
With the top order struggling against India’s total of 154 for eight, including dismissals of Meg Lanning and Alyssa Healy, Gardner’s unbeaten 52 off 35 balls proved pivotal. Alongside leg-spinner Alana King, who scored the winning runs off Deepti Sharma, Gardner’s contribution ensured a three-wicket victory with an over to spare.