Cricket Australia Central Contracts for 2025-26 season: Full list of contracted players ahead of WTC final, Ashes

Cricket Australia Central Contracts for 2025-26 season: Full list of contracted players ahead of WTC final, Ashes

On Tuesday, Cricket Australia announced the 2025-26 central contracts for 23 men’s players. Among the newcomers is explosive young opening batter Sam Konstas, who earned his first central contract ahead of the World Test Championship final and the Ashes series against England.

Konstas, 19, made a memorable debut during the Melbourne Boxing Day Test against India, scoring 60 off 65 balls, including six fours and two sixes.

“In Sam, we see promising upside in a young player who will continue to develop at First-Class level and in the international environment,” said Australia’s chair of selectors, George Bailey.

Also new to the contracted list is left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann. The 28-year-old was player of the series in the 2-0 Test win over Sri Lanka earlier this year, taking 16 wickets. Despite being reported for a suspect bowling action, Kuhnemann was cleared after testing at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane.

“Matt was outstanding in Sri Lanka, and we believe he can play a key role over the next 18 months,” Bailey said.

All-rounder Beau Webster, who made his Test debut in the fifth India Test in Sydney, was retained after being upgraded to the contracted list last season. He impressed with both bat and ball, contributing in the field and adding balance to the side.

“In Beau’s case, he proved more than comfortable at Test level with bat and ball, adding an additional dimension in the field and to the balance of the side,” Bailey said.

Xavier Bartlett, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster, Adam Zampa

World Test Championship Final: South Africa at Lord’s, June

Three Tests: West Indies tour

Ashes: First Test in Perth, November