Cricket Australia has unveiled its men’s central contracts list for the 2026–27 season, and the focus this time remains on Test cricket amid a packed red-ball schedule over the next 12 months. A total of 21 players have been awarded contracts, with newcomers Jake Weatherald and Brendan Doggett earning their first full time contracts after brilliant runs in the recent Ashes series.
However, the announcement also saw several big omissions. Fast bowler Jhye Richardson was the biggest name left out despite making a comeback in the Boxing Day Test last season. Other players to miss out include Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Lance Morris, and Sam Konstas, making the squad shift away from white-ball specialists in this contract cycle.
Introducing the Australian Men’s Cricket nationally contracted list for the 2026-27 season 🗒️ pic.twitter.com/yAaQbYnnQy
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) April 1, 2026
Veteran opener Usman Khawaja is also no longer part of the list following his retirement from Test cricket. Chair of selectors George Bailey explained that the contracts were awarded by balancing recent performances with the demands of the upcoming schedule.
“The next 12 months encompasses a busy Test schedule across a range of conditions and challenges,” said Bailey. “This is reflected in the contract list through a predominance of Test and multi-format players for this cycle.
Players who were not included in the initial list still have an opportunity to earn upgrades during the year by featuring in enough international matches.
The new contracts are the first under the updated agreement between Cricket Australia and the players’ association, with average earnings exceeding $1 million annually, excluding match fees and bonuses.
“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,” the Australia Cricket men’s selector added.
Cricket Australia Contracted Men’s Players (2026–27)
- Xavier Bartlett
- Scott Boland
- Alex Carey
- Pat Cummins
- Brendan Doggett
- Nathan Ellis
- Cameron Green
- Josh Hazlewood
- Travis Head
- Josh Inglis
- Matt Kuhnemann
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Nathan Lyon
- Mitchell Marsh
- Todd Murphy
- Michael Neser
- Steve Smith
- Mitchell Starc
- Jake Weatherald
- Beau Webster
- Adam Zampa
Australia 2026-27 Test Schedule
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh Series | ||
| Aug 13–17, 2026 | 1st Test | Marrara Stadium, Darwin |
| Aug 22–26, 2026 | 2nd Test | Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay |
| New Zealand Series | ||
| Dec 9–13, 2026 | 1st Test (The West Test) | Perth Stadium, Perth |
| Dec 17–21, 2026 | 2nd Test | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide |
| Dec 26–30, 2026 | 3rd Test (Boxing Day) | MCG, Melbourne |
| Jan 4–8, 2027 | 4th Test (New Year’s Test) | SCG, Sydney |
| England Celebration | ||
| Mar 11–15, 2027 | 150th Anniversary Test | MCG, Melbourne |
