The Story of Imparja: Ashleigh Gardner

Ashleigh Gardner is a frightening prospect for any bowler running in.

One of two things generally happens when a ball is in her striking range, it disappears over the leg-side boundary, or it pierces through the off-side fielders – the 18-year-old has the full array.

But the Sydney Sixers all-rounder’s tenacity and attitude toward the game far outshines her already impeccable skill set, most noticeable when she talks about the National Indigenous Cricket Championships.

For Gardner, her sixth edition of the Indigenous cricket competition is just another chance for her to do what she loves – play cricket.

“You just have to stay committed in cricket; the season can be long but you have to have that determination to succeed,” Gardner says.

And that determination is something driving her and New South Wales to claim an unprecedented ninth-straight title in Alice Springs.

“It’s my sixth year going up there so I have the experience in the heat, and for [New South Wales] it’s as simple as trying to play our best cricket and dominate to claim number nine."

The Bankstown local has played first grade cricket since the age of 14 so it didn’t come as a surprise that her domination of the inaugural Rebel Women’s Big Bash League was so swift.

Gardner was one of only four Sixers players to score more than 200 runs in the tournament – her counterparts in that group all international players – with all signs pointing to a national call-up in the near future.

“I didn’t really expect how well it went, I was given a really good opportunity and I tried to soak in as much as I could.

“Facing all of the Australian bowlers and playing against the local and international talent, it was a really great experience.”

For the immediate future though, Gardner’s focus remains locked on the domestic level, hoping to expand on the taste of state cricket she has had to date.

“Hopefully I just get a few more games for the NSW Breakers side and have a good season and follow on from the WBBL.”

And her advice for any young Indigenous girls thinking about taking up cricket for the first time?

“I’ve met a lot of friends in and around cricket - it’s Australia’s favourite sport, have fun every time you get out in the field and you can’t go wrong.”

You can track Ashleigh’s progress and the rest of the NICC action at nicc.cricket.com.au between February 8 – 15.