MELBOURNE, April 1: Cricket Australia on Wednesday handed maiden central contracts to opener Jake Weatherald and pacer Brendan Doggett while all-rounder Glenn Maxwell and opener Sam Konstas were among those dropped ahead of a demanding 2026-2027 season.
Weatherald and Doggett, who both made their Test debuts during the Ashes, were rewarded for their performances, while pacer Michael Neser retained his place after his contributions in the series.
Off-spinner Todd Murphy also returned to the list ahead of the five-Test tour of India early next year.
Murphy had been drafted into the Test squad during the Ashes following Nathan Lyon’s injury but did not get a game.
The selectors named 21 players in the contract list, three short of the available 24 slots and down from 23 last year.
Young opener Sam Konstas, who lost his Test spot after the West Indies tour, along with white-ball specialist Maxwell.
In-form batter Matthew Renshaw, pacer Jhye Richardson, Lance Morris and Matthew Short missed out on contracts.
However, non-contracted players can earn contract upgrades by playing enough international matches throughout the next 12 months.
“The contract list strives to balance reward for performances over time with a lens to the upcoming schedule,” Chair of men’s national selectors George Bailey said.
“The next 12 months encompasses a busy Test schedule across a range of conditions and challenges South Africa, India and England as well as the Top End and home Tests across the summer.
“This is reflected in the contract list through a predominance of Test and multi-format players for this cycle.
Given the upcoming schedule of series we know we will continue to need and utilise players outside of those contracted,” he added.
With a heavy red-ball calendar coming up, Australia are set to play Bangladesh in a two-Test home series in August, followed by assignments against South Africa, New Zealand and India
Along with the 150th Anniversary match at the MCG with a possible World Test Championship final and five-Test away Ashes tour to follow in mid-2027.
“This year, perhaps more than ever, it is essential we continue working closely with and collaborate with states to ensure players are developing and ready for International cricket when they get opportunities,” Bailey added. (PTI)
