The Sydney Sixers Women have appointed Ashleigh Gardner as their new captain for the ongoing Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) season, taking over the reins from long-time skipper Ellyse Perry. The franchise hopes the leadership change will help them recapture their former dominance. Perry had led the Sixers since the inaugural 2015-16 season, guiding them to back-to-back titles in the second and third editions of the WBBL. However, the team’s on-field success has waned in recent years, as they have failed to qualify for the finals in five of the past six seasons.

The Sixers enter a new era under Gardner and newly-appointed head coach Matthew Mott, the former coach of both the Australia women’s and England men’s white-ball teams. The 28-year-old has been a cornerstone of the Sixers since their inception, holding club records for 135 matches and 102 wickets, while ranking third in runs with 2607. Widely regarded as a future Australia captain, her leadership credentials continue to grow.

Gardner is also seen as a potential successor to Alyssa Healy, who confirmed the recent ODI World Cup would be her last in that format. She previously served as vice-captain during the T20I tour of New Zealand and currently leads Gujarat Giants (WPL) and Trent Rockets (The Hundred). Perry will remain with the Sixers for at least the next three seasons.

"I'm honoured to be appointed captain of the Sydney Sixers, a club I've proudly represented for my whole career. 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,” said Gardner as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

"It's been an immense pleasure to have the opportunity to lead the Sixers over the last ten years. Ash has offered so much to 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,” said Perry.

Healy will miss her team’s season opener due to a minor thumb injury sustained during the World Cup semi-final. The Sixers confirmed that Healy’s recovery is progressing well, and her condition will be reassessed when she returns to training next week. The Sixers will kick off their WBBL campaign against the Perth Scorchers on Sunday at the WACA.

Meanwhile, Melbourne Renegades captain Sophie Molineux will also be sidelined for the first two matches of the season as she recovers from a minor quad strain. In her absence, Georgia Wareham will take over the captaincy duties.