Ashleigh Gardner rewarded with Belinda Clark Award for outstanding 2023

Australia all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner has been presented with the Belinda Clarke Award, after being named as the best women’s cricketer in 2023. This is the second time the 26-year-old has managed to bag the award, as the first one came during the Covid era. Legendary cricketer Belinda Clarke presented her with the medal as she thanked her teammates and family in the acceptance speech.

Notably, Gardner received 147 votes in her favour, which is 13 more than second-placed Ellyse Perry. Annabel Sutherland finished third with 106 votes while Phoebe Litchfield and Alyssa Healy finished fourth and fifth with 83 and 73 people rooting for them respectively. 

“Firstly, I want to thank my cricket family. Obviously, going away for a lot of the year, it’s a lot easier for me with all the teammates, all the support staff. So, a special shoutout to all you guys,” Gardner said in her acceptance speech.

“My family.. you know what you mean to me. You’re always there. You pretty much come to all my games - whether it’s grade cricket or I am playing for Australia. And of course my partner Mon (Monica Wright) - you see the good days, you see the bad days. It’s people like you that make playing cricket a lot more enjoyable,” Gardner added.

Gardner played two Test matches in 2023 and has picked up 17 wickets at an average of 16.64. She has also scored 59 runs in the longest format and has won the one-off Test against England away from home. When it comes to the limited format, the all-rounder represented the national team in 28 matches and has picked up 32 wickets. She also scored 440 runs over the year.

Legendary Ellyse Perry bags Women's limited overs Player of the Year award

Meanwhile, the legendary Australia Women's star Ellyse Perry has won the women’s T20I and ODI 'Player of the Year' award. She was incredible throughout the year, having scored 467 runs in 12 ODIs and 319 runs in 14 T20Is. She also has seven wickets to her name in 2023. Notably, her name was unveiled separately as some of Cricket Australia's award winners were not called out during the official ceremony.