Ashleigh Gardner returns to NSW for WNCL 2018/19

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AUSTRALIAN and Sydney Sixers all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner is set to return to her NSW roots, after being named in the Lendlease Breakers squad for the upcoming 2018/19 season.

Gardner was named in the impressive 19-strong squad which includes five players from the Australian Women’s Cricket Team, four members of the National Performance Squad, four Shooting Stars and three Australian Under-19 players.

After winning their 19th WNCL title earlier this year and navigating a busy season that included WBBL and national duties within it, coach Jo Broadbent is looking to continue to build and grow young talent as the women’s schedule becomes even busier.

Next season could be their biggest and longest yet with the fourth season of women’s Big Bash, the ICC Women’s World T20 at the end of the year and the WNCL.

“Our sport is continuing to grow in popularity and our seasons are getting busier and longer as a result, meaning that we potentially have one of our biggest seasons ahead of us,” Broadbent said.

“Maintaining a sense of stability and continuity is essential going into such a busy season, particularly after the retirement of captain Alex Blackwell, so we have kept our squad largely unchanged other than the addition of Ashleigh Gardner.

“We are really excited to have Ashleigh back in the squad after the strong season she had for Australia, the Sixers and the Scorpions (South Australia).”

The relatively unchanged line-up for the Breakers makes them another formidable prospect this season.

The side boasts a mix of experience with young talent.

“We have a great blend of established leaders of the game with the likes of Ellyse Perry, Alyssa Healy and Rachael Haynes and young, talented up and coming players like Rachel Trenaman, Belinda Vakarewa and Lauren Cheatle to name just a few,” Broadbent said.

“This depth of experience really complements the younger players and we are invested in continuing to develop these players and give them as many opportunities as possible this season as they are the future of NSW and Australian cricket.”

BREAKERS 2018/19 SQUAD: Sarah Aley (Bowler), Nicola Carey (All-rounder)*, Lauren Cheatle (Bowler), Rene Farrell (Bowler), Ashleigh Gardner (All-rounder)*, Maisy Gibson (Bowler), Lisa Griffith (All-rounder), Rachael Haynes (Batter)*, Alyssa Healy (Wicketkeeper and batter)*, Mikayla Hinkley (Batter), Saskia Horley (All-rounder), Carly Leeson (Batter), Ellyse Perry (All-rounder)*, Lauren Smith (Bowler), Naomi Stalenberg (Batter), Rachel Trenaman (All-rounder), Hannah Trethewy (Wicketkeeper), Belinda Vakarewa (Bowler), Tahlia Wilson (Batter).

*Australian contracted player.