01 Apr, 2025 | 04:04 AM
In a significant shake-up of Cricket Australia's (CA) central contracts for the 2025-26 season, rising stars Sam Konstas and Matt Kuhnemann have been handed contracts, signaling their expected roles in Australia’s Test cricket plans for the upcoming year. Meanwhile, Cooper Connolly, despite featuring in multiple formats in the previous season, has been overlooked in favor of others.
Konstas, who made an impressive debut during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and Kuhnemann, Australia's second-choice Test spinner, have earned their places on the 23-player list, joining Tasmanian all-rounder Beau Webster as the new additions. Meanwhile, Sean Abbott, Aaron Hardie, and Todd Murphy have dropped off the list from the previous season.
Abbott and Hardie were part of Australia's Champions Trophy squad but didn't play a game in the tournament. Murphy, who appeared in a single Test during the recent tour of Sri Lanka, has been squeezed off the list despite Australia's ongoing reliance on two spinners, including Nathan Lyon and Kuhnemann.
Kuhnemann's journey over the past year has been remarkable, overcoming a broken thumb and a suspect bowling action to emerge as a key figure in Australia’s spin attack. He impressed with his performances in Sri Lanka, and George Bailey, chair of selectors, highlighted his importance in the coming months. "Matt was outstanding once again in Sri Lanka, and we believe he can play a key role across the next 18 months," Bailey said.
On the other hand, Connolly’s exclusion is a surprising one. The 22-year-old featured in Australia’s last Test and ODI teams, as well as two T20 internationals last year. Despite playing a crucial role in the 2024-25 season, including taking a key wicket against India in the Champions Trophy, Connolly will not be part of the central contract list for 2025-26. His absence has raised questions, especially since he had been given an upgrade last year.
Konstas, at just 19, is still a one-format player, but his potential in Test cricket is evident after his stellar debut performances against India, including a remarkable 60 on debut. Bailey noted Konstas' promising future, saying, "In Sam, we see promising upside in a young player who will continue to develop at first-class level and in the international environment."
Other notable names in the new contract list include Mitchell Marsh, who retains his contract despite losing his Test place last summer. He remains Australia's T20I captain as they approach another T20 World Cup year, while Nathan McSweeney earned a contract upgrade after his performances in the India and Sri Lanka series.
Meanwhile, injury-prone fast bowlers Lance Morris and Jhye Richardson continue to be backed by CA, despite their limited appearances. Morris and Richardson have both dealt with injuries recently, with Richardson rehabbing from a third shoulder surgery. Xavier Bartlett, despite being overlooked for the Champions Trophy, has also retained his place in the contract list.
Notably, T20 specialists Marcus Stoinis and Tim David have once again been left off the list. Both had qualified for contract upgrades during the 2024-25 period but were excluded from the central list. This decision leaves the door open for several players, including Stoinis, David, Connolly, Fraser-McGurk, and others, to earn upgrades throughout the season, with Australia set to play 19 T20Is, including the T20 World Cup, and nine ODIs during the 2025-26 period.
The 2025-26 contract period will also see Australia play seven Test matches, including the Ashes series, alongside several white-ball series. The central contract list reflects a focus on players who are expected to contribute in the longer format, with an eye on both the Test series and the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Cricket Australia’s 2025-26 men's contract list is as follows:
Cricket Australia Men's Contract List 2025-26:
Xavier Bartlett, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster, Adam Zampa.
