Cricket Australia (CA) has released its list of men’s center contracts for the 2026-27 season, with Jake Weatherold rewarded with a full contract to cement his status as Test opener, while pacer Jay Richardson was surprisingly omitted.
Michael Nesser has secured a contract following his role in the Ashes series and Brendan Doggett has also been included, while off-spinner Todd Murphy returns to the list ahead of the five-Test tour of India early next year.
Glenn Maxwell was one of the top players to miss out, although his absence is widely expected as he is a one-form player and the 12-month period of these contracts has a heavy Test focus, as well as preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Along with Richardson, Usman Khawaja (retired), Sam Konstas, Lance Morris, Maxwell and Matt Short have lost their contracts.
Selectors have awarded only 21 of the 24 contracts (down from 23 last year), placing more emphasis on Test cricket and players can be upgraded once they reach the minimum appearance threshold.
National selector George Bailey said the newly announced central contract list has been carefully structured to reward players for consistent performance over time, while accommodating the demands of an intense international calendar.
He pointed out that the coming 12 months will be very challenging for Australia, with a Test schedule packed with varied and demanding situations, including tours to South Africa, India and England, the Top End and home summer matches.
“The contract list tries to balance reward for performance over time with a lens on the upcoming schedule,” said national selector George Bailey. “The next 12 months include a busy Test schedule between a range of conditions and challenges – South Africa, India and England as well as top end and home Tests throughout the summer.
“This is reflected in the contract list through the dominance of Test and multi-format players for this cycle. Given the upcoming series schedule, we know that we will continue to need and use players outside of the contracted players.
“This year, perhaps more than ever, it is essential to work closely and collaborate with states to ensure players develop and are ready for international cricket when opportunities arise.”
CA Men’s Central Contracts 2026-27
Xavier Bartlett, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Brendan Doggett, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhneman, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Stitchel Marsh, M. Stark, Jack Weatherold, Beau Webster and Adam Zamba.
Ill* Brendan Doggett, Jake Weatherold, Michael Neser and Todd Murphy.
Out* Usman Khawaja (retd), Sam Konstas, Glenn Maxwell, Lance Morris, Jay Richardson and Matt Short.