Surprises galore as Australia reveal men's contract list

Australia have unveiled the 21 players that have been awarded with playing contracts for the upcoming men's 2026/27 season.

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

There was no room for young opener Sam Konstas, pacer Jhye Richardson, in-form batter Matthew Renshaw and all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, with back-up spinner Todd Murphy and Test newcomers Brendan Doggett and Jake Weatherald among the players included.

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.

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 encompasses a busy Test schedule across a range of conditions and challenges," Bailey said.

"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 collaborate with states to ensure players are developing and ready for International cricket when they get opportunities."

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