Latest news with #AshGardner
West Australian
26-04-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Mitchell Johnson: AFL Anzac Day game a reminder that cricket needs to find a resolution to Australia Day mess
I can only imagine the feeling of playing at the MCG on Anzac Day as it carries a profound sense of honour and remembrance. The annual clash between Essendon and Collingwood is one of the biggest events of the AFL season, regularly attracting crowds of more than 90,000. Their silence for the pre-match ceremony, as players and spectators alike reflect on the sacrifices made by servicemen and women, is as powerful as their roar. Playing in that sort of atmosphere must be electric, on a day where the spirit of sportsmanship blends with national pride, and the match serves as a tribute to those who fought for Australia and New Zealand. The sense of camaraderie and respect between opponents on the field that day surely adds an extra layer of significance to the competition. It's not just a game; it's a heartfelt reminder of the values that unite the nation. Thirty years on from its advent in 1995, the Essendon-Collingwood clash is not only cemented in the calendar as a captivating event but appears to be going from strength to strength. The closest equivalent for our elite cricketers is Australia Day, yet in the same time period it has gone from one of the great occasions on the cricket calendar to a day Cricket Australia now tries to avoid scheduling matches on. I hope that there will soon be a significant national day for all Australians, so the Australia Day match can be played in unity and enjoyed by all. Anzac Day, though different from Australia Day, inspires us to remember the precious freedoms and luxuries we cherish in our great country. The annual Australia Day one-dayer – typically held at Adelaide Oval, one of Australia's iconic grounds – was always a standout for me. I vividly remember the anticipation leading into the Australia Day game. The crowd arrived dressed in green and gold, decked out with Australian flags everywhere. Knowing that we were representing our country and feeling the whole nation's support on such a significant day created an incredible atmosphere. Things have since changed over the years with mixed opinions on Australia Day, including the views of Indigenous stars Ash Gardner and Scott Boland about the day not being appropriate for celebration. While I respect their position, I hope cricket can find a resolution soon amid the broader political debate. Playing on Australia Day always felt unique to me and united as a country. Even when I didn't perform at my best, there was an undeniable sense of solidarity, a feeling as if the playing XI was being carried by the entire nation that day. There was a greater responsibility, pushing us to perform better and most occasions we played well. Now every year Anzac Day comes around, it is a reminder of how well the AFL does it and what cricket has lost with Australia Day. With Anzac Day, sport is used as a way to honour the past and acknowledge the bravery that allows athletes the privilege to compete. The games bring together players and fans in a spirit of camaraderie and respect, creating a sense of unity. It's also worth noting how sport played a role for those who served in wartime. Many found solace in sport as a way to escape the harsh realities of conflict, as has been documented with photos of games of footy and cricket among soldiers. This longstanding connection underscores the importance of sportsmanship — whether it's shaking hands with opponents after a tough match or sharing camaraderie in the locker room. That environment fosters respect, regardless of the outcome on the scoreboard. Playing hard but fair encapsulates the essence of sport. It's about the challenges faced during the game, the discussions afterwards, and ultimately the mutual respect shared between competitors. It's a cycle of striving for excellence, learning from each experience, and moving forward together, which mirrors the values intrinsic to our society. Embracing this spirit in our sporting activities amplifies the significance of each game, especially on days of remembrance. It's fascinating to see how sports across the globe honour significant days like these. In the United States, Independence Day is traditionally celebrated with Major League Baseball games complete with fireworks and plenty of patriotism and a shared sense of pride. According to a poll in 2016, almost 40 per cent of Americans attended a sporting event on July 4. Moments like these unite people through their love of sport. Anzac Day footy reminds us how fortunate we are to live in this country. It illustrates that sport should be sport — played in a way that brings together fans and even those who may not typically follow sport at all. The day reminds us that we can enjoy our freedoms and the beauty of Australia because of the sacrifices made by our courageous men and women, many of whom were young and potentially talented in sport themselves. Honouring their memory by playing a game in their spirit feels like the least we can do.
BBC News
29-03-2025
- BBC News
Gloucestershire Police's plain-clothes officers targeting predators
Plain-clothes police officers will patrol outside pubs and clubs to crackdown on violence and Police will also use its dog unit to tackle crimes in Gloucester city centre on Saturdays as part of Operation Comet, which aims to ensure people stay safe while on a night out. The force will work alongside Night Angels, Street Pastors, Night Safe officers, street medics and licensed Ash Gardner, from the force, said: "People are entitled to enjoy nights out in our city without the fear of violence, harassment or intimidation." The plans follow a successful pilot that ran in the city before Christmas. While on patrol, the officers will be looking to prevent youth crime, anti-social behaviour, violence against women and girls and the sale of drugs. Insp Gardner add: "We will take appropriate action should we find anyone offending. "Our increased presence will help prevent crime and make those who wish to cause trouble think twice."Members of the public are encouraged to speak to officers if they have any concerns while they are out.
The Guardian
23-03-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
New Zealand v Australia: second women's T20 international
Australia have won the toss and elected to bat first Show key events only Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature As predicted Alana King has come in for the injured Ash Gardner. Australia's XI looks like this: Beth Mooney (wk), Georgia Voll, Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland, Tahlia McGrath (c), Grace Harris, Georgia Wareham, Alana King, Kim Garth, Darcie Brown Share Hello cricket fans. Welcome to the Guardian's live coverage of the second women's T20 international between Australia and New Zealand at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. Australia lead the three-match series 1-0 after a thumping eight-wicket triumph over the T20 world champions New Zealand at Eden Park on Friday. That victory was led by Beth Mooney and Georgia Voll's unbroken 77 run stand during the six overs of the power-play. The blitzkrieg partnership fired Australia to within 25 runs of their target by the halfway mark of the chase. Ultimately, the visitors cantered home with 39 balls to spare. However, Australia's win came at a huge cost with all-rounder Ash Gardner breaking her right index finger while attempting a catch off her own bowling. She has been replaced in the squad by Queensland all-rounder Charli Knott for the rest of the tour. However, it's more likely leg-spinner Alana King will replace Gardner for today's game. This will be the first time Australia has played a T20I at Mount Maunganui but it has won its past eight ODIs at the venue. Play starts at 2.45pm local/12.45pm AEDT. Share
BBC News
20-02-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Who has most runs & wickets in WPL 2025 so far?
The Women's Premier League takes a break on Thursday as the five teams travel from Vadodara to Bengaluru for the next phase of group opening six games were in Vadodara and there will be eight in Bengaluru before matches in Lucknow and Mumbai to conclude the 20-match group stage. Here's who has starred with bat and ball so run-scorers in WPL 20251. Ash Gardner (Gujarat Giants) - 141 runs2. Nat Sciver-Brunt (Mumbai Indians) - 1373. Meg Lanning (Delhi Capitals) - 1014. Smriti Mandhana (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) - 90=5. Richa Ghosh (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) & Harleen Doel (Gujarat Giants) - 75Top wicket-takers in WPL 2025=1. Hayley Matthews (Mumbai Indians), Renuka Singh Thakur (Royal Challengers Bengaluru), Annabel Sutherland (Delhi Capitals) & Priya Mishra (Gujarat Giants) - 5=5. Amelia Kerr (Mumbai Indians), Ash Gardner (Gujarat Giants) & Georgia Wareham (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) - 4
Yahoo
16-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ash Gardner soars again, earns first WPL win as skipper
Ash Gardner has served up a superb allround display in India's Women's Premier League for the second time in three days - but this time it was enough for her to celebrate a maiden triumph in her new role as Gujarat Giants captain. Gardner had been fabulous in her first outing as captain in Friday's season opener, blasting a captain's knock of 79 not out before taking two quick wickets in six balls, only to find it still couldn't drag the Giants to a win over champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru. And there was a moment on Sunday when the 27-year-old Sydneysider must have feared her heroics might not suffice again at the same Vadodara ground as she looked disgusted at departing tamely after another terrific half-century in a run chase against UP Warriorz. Wickets ✅Runs ✅Outstanding catch ✅#GG skipper Ash Gardner wins the Player of the Match award for her commanding all-round show 🫡Scorecard ▶ | #GGvUPW — Women's Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) February 16, 2025 After powering to 52 off just 32 balls and looking unstoppable, Gardner deposited a long hop from her Australian international teammate Tahlia McGrath straight into the hands of short fine leg. With her side still needing 58 to win with six wickets standing, it looked as Gujarat might be in danger of missing out again, but a terrific unbroken fifth-wicket stand between big-hitting West Indian Deandra Dottin (33no off 18 balls) and Harleen Deol (34no off 30) steered the Giants to a six-wicket win. "Very pleased," beamed Gardner, who had earlier taken 2-39 with her spin while also taking a marvellous running catch to get rid of her opposing captain Deepti Sharma. "We weren't that far off in the other game, and to come out and play the brand of cricket we spoke of, feels special." Captain 🆚 CaptainDeepti Sharma departs as flying Gardner grabs a stunner 👏#TATAWPL | #GGvUPW | @Giant_Cricket — Women's Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) February 16, 2025 Gardner's form with the bat so far has been particularly special, as she's hammered 11 sixes in just her first two innings, including a record-equalling eight against RCB. And she's already the owner of the orange cap as top run-scorer and purple cap as leading wicket-taker. "There's always things to improve on, but our bowlers did a fantastic job. Priya Mishra, to pick up three wickets at this stage, makes captaincy easy," said the skipper. Indeed, the spinner Mishra's 3-25 off four overs, which included the wickets of McGrath for a second-ball duck and Grace Harris for four, was key to keeping Warriorz down to 9-143, a target which Giants surpassed with two overs to spare. Beth Mooney, who's now vice-captain after giving up the skipper's armband to Gardner, got caught in an Aussie trap at the top of the Gujarat order, thumping a Harris full toss straight into the hands of McGrath for a golden duck.
