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Weatherald, Neser Included, Maxwell, Renshaw Dropped As Australia Unveil Central Contracts

Boxing Day Ashes Test: Cricket Australia has unveiled a streamlined 21-player central contract list for the 202627 season, reflecting a clear emphasis on red-ball cricket ahead of an unusually demanding Test schedule. With 15 Tests lined up over the next year, selectors have prioritised players suited to the longer format, resulting in several high-profile exclusions. Jake Weatherald and Brendan Doggett are among the notable inclusions, both securing their first full national contracts after making their debuts in the recent Ashes series. Weatheralds selection is especially noteworthy, indicating strong support from selectors for him to remain Australias Test opener. The 31-year-old is gearing up for a notable homecoming in Darwin during the upcoming series against Bangladesh. Additionally, he has confirmed he will play for Leicestershire in the County Championship, enhancing his credentials in red-ball cricket. Experienced players Michael Neser and Todd Murphy have been reinstated, highlighting Australias aim to strengthen their bowling resources. Murphys return comes at a vital moment, as the team gears up for a tough tour of India and veteran spinner Nathan Lyon recovers from hamstring surgery sustained during the Ashes. Matt Kuhnemann has kept his place as selectors bolster spin options for subcontinental conditions. However, the contract list also features several surprising omissions. Fast bowler Jhye Richardson, who recently returned to Test cricket in the Boxing Day Ashes Test, has been left out despite his comeback. He is set to play county cricket in England with Yorkshire. Fellow Western Australian quick Lance Morris, who has struggled with injuries and form, has also been excluded. Other players missing from the list include Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Sam Konstas, and Matthew Renshaw, the latter having featured across formats earlier in the season. Meanwhile, non-contracted players will still have opportunities to earn upgrades by participating in international matches over the coming year. The new contracts are also financially significant, with average earnings now exceeding AUD 1 million annually, excluding match payments and superannuation. This increase follows the ongoing pay agreement between Cricket Australia and the players union. Meanwhile, non-contracted players will still have opportunities to earn upgrades by participating in international matches over the coming year. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Cricket Australia men's contracts for 2026-27: 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, Adam Zampa Article Source: IANS