Cricket Australia have unveiled a 21-player men’s central contract list for the 2026-27 season, reducing the tally from 23 ahead of a packed international schedule across formats.
Test newcomers Jake Weatherald, Brendan Doggett earn maiden full-time deals
Among the key developments is the inclusion of new faces in the contract list, signalling a push towards strengthening Australia’s Test depth ahead of a demanding cycle. Jake Weatherald has been retained, indicating continued backing as a Test opener despite modest Ashes returns. He managed 201 runs at 22.33 but featured in several important partnerships at the top.
Chair of selectors George Bailey emphasised that the contract reflects intent rather than certainty around selection. “It’s an indication. It’s not a guarantee,” he said, adding that Weatherald “has got a really good opportunity now.”
Fast-bowling depth has been reinforced with the inclusion of Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett, both of whom featured during the recent Ashes and have been rewarded with full-time deals.
In the spin department, Todd Murphy returns to the list alongside Nathan Lyon and Matthew Kuhnemann. His inclusion comes with an eye on the 2027 India tour and, as a precaution, given Lyon’s recent injuries.
Senior names among notable omissions
The most prominent exclusion is Glenn Maxwell, who is currently only active in T20Is. With the team scheduled to play just five T20I matches in the upcoming season, Maxwell has been dropped from the contract list, while others like Tim David and Marcus Stoinis have not been re-signed. The 37-year-old scored 62 runs in the recent T20 World Cup, averaging 20.66 with a strike rate of 110.71.
Jhye Richardson, who had held a contract over the past two seasons but struggled with injuries, has also been dropped. Although he recently returned to Test cricket, selectors have opted to monitor his progress outside the central list.
Also missing out is Sam Konstas, who had been contracted last year as a long-term opening prospect after impressing in the India Test series. He scored 660 runs at 33.00 in the Sheffield Shield, but did not convert starts into substantial scores consistently.
Usman Khawaja (retired), Lance Morris and Matt Short have also not found contracts this year.
Australia’s upcoming schedule includes Tests against Bangladesh, South Africa, New Zealand, India and England, as well as ODI series against Zimbabwe and South Africa, and a home T20I series against England.
Winners and losers from the Australia 2026/27 central contracts
| Category | Players |
|---|---|
| Winners (New contracts) | Xavier Bartlett, Brendan Doggett, Nathan Ellis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster |
| Retained | Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa |
| Losers (Not retained) | Usman Khawaja (retired), Sam Konstas, Glenn Maxwell, Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson, Matt Short |
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