Konstas and Maxwell Miss Out on 2026-27 Cricket Australia Contracts
Australia’s Ashes-winning cricketers have been granted contracts for the demanding 2026-27 season, yet Sam Konstas and Glenn Maxwell were omitted from the 21-player list.
Brendan Doggett, who debuted in the opening Ashes Test in Perth last November, secured his first national contract. Meanwhile, opener Jake Wetherald, despite averaging only 22.33 across five Tests last summer, maintained his upgraded contract.
Michael Neser and Todd Murphy were also awarded full contracts ahead of a packed Test calendar commencing with a two-match home series against Bangladesh in August.
Upcoming Schedule and Contract Decisions
The season will include ODI tours to Zimbabwe and South Africa, a three-Test series in South Africa, a home white-ball series against England, and a rigorous stretch of 10 Test matches in 14 weeks against New Zealand, India, and the 150th Anniversary Test against England at the MCG.
Konstas, who impressed with a fearless Boxing Day knock in 2024, was dropped after failing to build on that initial promise. The New South Wales batter scored just 103 runs in nine subsequent Test innings, averaging 16.30, leading to his exclusion from the contract list announced Wednesday.
Alongside Konstas, Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson, Matt Short, and Maxwell also lost their contracts. Usman Khawaja was absent following his retirement.
Selectors’ Perspective on Contract List
“The next 12 months encompasses a busy Test schedule across a range of conditions and challenges – South Africa, India and England as well as the Top End and home Tests across the summer,”
“This is reflected in the contract list through a predominance of Test and multi-format players for this cycle. 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.”
These comments were made by George Bailey, chair of men’s national selectors, who emphasized balancing rewards for past performances with preparation for the intense upcoming schedule.
Full List of Contracted Players
The contracted players for the 2026-27 season include 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.
