In their most recent round of central contracts for the 2024–25 season, Cricket Australia has made some interesting decisions, including the exclusion of veteran all-rounder Marcus Stoinis from their 23-man team and the addition of four new players. Xavier Bartlett, who has only won three caps for Australia, is one of the selected players, along with Aaron Hardie, Matt Short, and Nathan Ellis.
The selection of Bartlett is a major turning point for the young player; the other three players have essentially earned their spots by playing well all season long and making debuts for Australia in ODIs and T20Is.
David Warner is one prominent name missing from the list. He will not be able to sign the deal until after the T20 World Cup because he has decided to retire from international cricket. Ashton Agar, Marcus Harris, and Michael Neser, who were among the contracted players from the previous season, are also not included.
Even though Marcus Stoinis is a candidate for the next T20 World Cup, he does not currently have a contract.
Tim David, a T20 specialist, and Matt Renshaw, who was just brought on as Warner’s backup hitter following his retirement from Test cricket, are not included among the signed players. Nevertheless, Jhye Richardson’s contract is still in effect even if he hasn’t appeared on the international field since June 2022 because of ongoing injuries.
The players signed for the 2024–25 campaign are a combination of accomplished veterans and bright new talent. Up-and-coming performers like Todd Murphy and Cameron Green join established actors like Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, and Glenn Maxwell. Reliable players like Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon complete out the list, indicating a bright season for Australian cricket.
Players contracted by Cricket Australia in 2024–25:
Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Lance Morris, Todd Murphy, Jhye Richardson, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa; Xavier Bartlett, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Nathan Ellis; Cameron Green; Aaron Hardie; Josh Hazlewood; Travis Head; Josh Inglis; Usman Khawaja
India
