Maxwell and Konstas dropped as Cricket Australia trims 2026-27 contract list to 21
Cricket Australia trimmed its men's central contract list from 23 to 21 for the 2026-27 season, with Glenn Maxwell and Sam Konstas the biggest names to miss out. The new list, announced on April 1, leans heavily towards Test cricket as Australia prepares for a packed schedule featuring series against South Africa, New Zealand and India, as well as a commemorative Test against England.
Maxwell pays the price for ODI retirement
Maxwell retired from ODI cricket in June 2025, citing the physical toll of the 50-over format and a desire to let Australia plan for the 2027 World Cup without him. He still wants to play T20 internationals and has spoken about targeting the 2028 T20 World Cup in Australia and the Los Angeles Olympics. But with the contract list built around multi-format players and Test specialists, CA decided there was no room for a T20-only option.
The 37-year-old remains busy in franchise cricket, with commitments to the Melbourne Stars in the BBL, the PSL and Major League Cricket. Whether he can force his way back into the T20I set-up without a central deal will depend on form and fitness over the next 12 months.
Konstas and Richardson also miss out
Sam Konstas, the young opener who burst onto the scene during the last Ashes cycle, was not renewed after a lean run of form. Jhye Richardson also missed out despite returning to international cricket, with CA opting for younger pace options instead.
The decisions signal a shift in selection thinking. CA appears willing to back players who performed during the recent Ashes at the expense of those whose places had come under pressure.
Weatherald and Doggett rewarded for Ashes performances
Jake Weatherald and Brendan Doggett both earned maiden central contracts after making their Test debuts during the Ashes. Weatherald forced his way into the side as an opener and nailed down his spot, while Doggett emerged as a reliable seam option to support the ageing pace trio of Cummins, Starc and Hazlewood.
Todd Murphy also returned to the contract list after regaining his spot in the Test XI. Michael Neser kept his place, giving Australia depth in the fast-bowling ranks heading into a stretch of home and away series.
Full 2026-27 contract list
The 21 players awarded central contracts are: 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 and Adam Zampa.
Cricket Updates
