Muruwari allrounder Ash Gardner will captain the Sydney Sixers in WBBL|11 in a first-time change for the club.
Gardner, 28, takes over from national side teammate Ellyse Perry who has captained the Sixers since the inaugural season of the competition.
Fresh off serious form with the bat for
Recently in form with the bat for Australia at the ICC Women's World Cup in India, Gardner assumes the Sixers' captaincy following a strong WBBL CV put together across 10 seasons in magenta.
Claiming two titles and Player of the Tournament honours in WBBL|08 along the way, Gardner sits atop the Sixers' all-time record for appearances and wickets taken and third in runs scored for the club, behind only Perry and Australian captain Alyssa Healy.
"I'm honoured to be appointed captain of the Sydney Sixers, a club I've proudly represented for my whole career," she said, via the club.
"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 in WBBL11.
"Our fans are the best in the league and their support over the past decade has been incredible. I know the whole squad is hungry (to) bring them a third WBBL trophy this year."
Gardner captained Trent Rockets in the most recent The Hundred season in England.
Captain Ash 🫡#WBBL11 #expecttheunforgettable #sixers pic.twitter.com/ujCaBZC1Ai
- Sydney Sixers (@SixersBBL) November 6, 2025
Outgoing skipper Perry said the role has brought "joy and fulfilment", and credited "a strong group of leaders at the club".
"Ash has offered so much to The 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. I know everyone is so looking forward to WBBL11," Perry added.
After early successes - including appearances in the first four WBBL competition finals - winning in seasons two and three, the Sixers have fallen short of finals in all but one of the following six campaigns.
Without a number of stars, including Gardner, the club posted two wins from four matches at the recent T20 Spring Challenge.
They've brought in the likes of English international Sophia Dunkley, while her World Cup teammate Sophie Ecclestone departed for the Strikers.
25-year-old Palawa keeper-batter Emma Manix-Geeves has also arrived in Sydney from the Hurricanes.
Gardner comes into the domestic T20 summer in serious form, scoring two match-shaping tons in Australia's World Cup campaign on route to a semi-final exit.
During the tournament, she broke into the top three in ICC ODI batter rankings, while also holding her place on the podium in the all-rounder and bowling ratings.
"Ash has grown immensely as a leader; she's a phenomenal player and will be instrumental in the future success of the club. I am delighted to see her take on the captaincy this season," Sixers general manager Rachael Haynes said.
"It's a great opportunity for Ash (Gardner) to take on the role while Pez (Perry) is still in our environment can continue to support her as senior leader within the group.
"Pez (Ellyse Perry) has led this club for ten years as inaugural captain and it is a proud moment to see the baton passed on to Ash.
"I am confident that Ash will take to the role with her own style and make the captaincy her own."
Gardner's side begin their WBBL11 campaign in Perth against the Scorchers on Sunday.
