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Australia's 2026/27 Central Contracts: Maxwell Out, New Faces In

Cricket Australia has announced its 21-player men's central contract list for the 2026/27 season, prioritizing Test and multi-format players for a busy schedule. Notable omissions include star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, who recently retired from ODIs, and opener Sam Konstas. The list retains captain Pat Cummins and veterans like Steve Smith, while welcoming new faces such as pace bowler Brendan Doggett. Selection chair George Bailey emphasized the focus is on the demanding Test calendar ahead, including series against Bangladesh, South Africa, New Zealand, and India.

Key Points: Australia's 2026/27 Men's Central Contracts Announced

  • Glenn Maxwell omitted from central contract
  • Pat Cummins and veteran core retained
  • Focus on Test and multi-format players
  • Brendan Doggett earns maiden deal
3 min read

Australia announce its central contract list for men's 2026/27 season

Cricket Australia reveals its men's central contract list for 2026/27, with Glenn Maxwell omitted and new players like Brendan Doggett included.

"The next 12 months encompass a busy Test schedule across a range of conditions and challenges. - George Bailey"

Melbourne, April 1

Cricket Australia on Wednesday announced its central contract list for the upcoming men's 2026/27 season, as per the International Cricket Council.

Australia are scheduled to play Bangladesh in a two-Test home series in August, before taking on South Africa, New Zealand and India in a busy period that will decide whether they earn a place in a third straight World Test Championship final.

There were a few surprises among the new contracted list, with Australia making a bulk of changes to the 21-player list ahead of a busy upcoming schedule in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2025/27 cycle.

The new list of the men's central contract saw some notable absentees. Star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, who retired from ODIs and has limited red-ball prospects at age 37, was omitted, while opener Sam Konstas was dropped following a challenging run of form.

Fast bowler Jhye Richardson, returning from injury and recently recalled for Test duty, also missed out on a central contract.

Test and ODI skipper Pat Cummins, alongside veteran players Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne and Mitchell Starc, as well as ace performers Josh Hazlewood and Travis Head, were included in the contracted list for the 2026/27 season.

Apart from them, emerging talents Jake Weatherald secured a contract, and pace bowler Brendan Doggett earned his maiden central deal following strong performances.

The 2023 ICC World Test Championship winners currently sit on top of the standings following a 4-1 series defeat of England in the Ashes, and selection chair George Bailey said many of the decisions surrounding contracts were made with the busy upcoming schedule in mind.

"The next 12 months encompass a busy Test schedule across a range of conditions and challenges," Bailey said as quoted by ICC.

"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.

"This year, perhaps more than ever, it is essential we continue working closely with and collaborating with states to ensure players are developing and ready for International cricket when they get opportunities."

Cricket Australia men's contracts for 2026-27:

Xavier Bartlett, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Brendan Doggett, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster, Adam Zampa.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priyanka N
Good to see Pat Cummins and Smith still there. They are the backbone. But as an Indian fan, my eyes are on that upcoming Aus vs India series. That will be the real test for both teams in the WTC cycle. Can't wait!
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Aman W
They are planning for the future, which is smart. Giving contracts to Doggett and Weatherald shows that. But honestly, the focus should be on developing good spin options for subcontinent tours, like when they come to India. Their pace attack is world class, but Lyon can't do it alone here.
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Sarah B
As a neutral observer, it's a sensible, transitionary list. Bailey's comments about collaborating with states is key for depth. The schedule is brutal. Maxwell's omission is the big talking point, but it was time.
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Karthik V
No Maxwell! End of an era for sure. His innings in India during the 2023 ODI World Cup was something else. But teams have to move on. Australia looks strong for the WTC. India vs Australia final part 3 loading? 😄
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Varun X
Solid list, but a bit surprised Michael Neser keeps getting contracts. He's good but rarely plays. Anyway, their main goal seems to be beating India at home and preparing for the Ashes in England later. The battle for the top WTC spot is going to be intense.

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