Cricket Australia Announces New Contract Recipients, Notable Players Miss Out
Cricket Australia (CA) has unveiled the list of 23 players who have secured new contracts. Notably, veteran all-rounder Marcus Stoinis is among the big names that did not receive a new deal.
Despite struggling with back injuries recently, Stoinis was a key member of Australia’s victorious ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup squad last year and remains a strong contender for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in June.
A mistimed pull from Abdullah Shafique against Marcus Stoinis ended in the hands of Glenn Maxwell at mid-wicket.
Joining Stoinis in missing out on new contracts are fellow all-rounder Ashton Agar, opening batter Marcus Harris, pacer Michael Neser, and recently retired star David Warner. Instead, CA has chosen to offer contracts to several emerging talents.
All-rounders Matt Short and Aaron Hardie, fast bowler Nathan Ellis, and young right-armer Xavier Bartlett have all secured new deals following impressive performances, both domestically and internationally.
Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood struck twice in overcast conditions.
George Bailey, Cricket Australia’s selection chair, expressed confidence in the potential of the newly contracted players.
“Matt, Aaron, and Xavier have shown immense promise in the early stages of their international careers. Their performances and their ability to adapt to the international stage have been exciting to watch,” Bailey said.
“The panel believes they have bright futures and are deserving of their contracts as they strive to become regulars in the Australian setup.”
Rohit Sharma mistimed a ball towards the covers, where Travis Head made a brilliant catch.
Cricket Australia’s Contracted Men’s Players for 2024-25:
Sean Abbott, Xavier Barlett, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Lance Morris, Todd Murphy, Jhye Richardson, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa