Internet Desk: Australian spinner Steve O’Keefe, batsman Shaun Marsh and all-rounder James Faulkner were some of the biggest names to miss out on the Cricket Australia’s list of centrally contracted players for the 2017-18 International seasons. Also missing out on the list is fast bowler Peter Siddle.
In the recently concluded test series against India, O’Keefe played a very key role for Australia. But recent off-field controversies are believed to have gone against him in not getting a central contract.
Faulkner, who played in the ODI series against New Zealand and Twenty20 series against Sri Lanka in February, was not included in the Champions Trophy squad for the first time.
Siddle has been out of the national team since November last year while Marsh had struggled to perform on the recent unsuccessful tour of India.
Young batsman Matt Renshaw, who excelled with the bat in the test series against India, earned a maiden contract along with Peter Handscombe. Also making the list of 20 shortlisted candidates is
all-rounders Ashton Agar, Hilton Cartwright and paceman Billy Stanlake.
Commenting on the men’s offers, National Selector Trevor Hohns said, “We have selected 20 players for this year’s contract list with a focus on players who we believe could play a part in an exciting 12 months of cricket, which includes the Ashes and an important away Test Series against South Africa.
“Consideration has also been given to some players who we believe could potentially play in all three formats for Australia.”
West Australian batting all-rounder Hilton Cartwright and spinning all-rounder Ashton Agar have been named on the contract list for the first time.
“Hilton has thoroughly earned his spot in the list this year. He was the second highest runs scorer in the Sheffield Shield last season and, when given his opportunity with the Test side last summer, he impressed.
“He is an exciting prospect for Australian cricket and we look forward to seeing him perform for Australia in the coming 12 months, if given his opportunity.
“Ashton is a talented young player who we consider offers a fantastic package with his batting, bowling and fielding, and someone who is capable of playing all forms of the game.”
Under the ground breaking remuneration and benefits proposal made by Cricket Australia to the ACA in March, it is proposed that women players not selected in the initial group may, for the first time, receive an upgraded CA contract should they gain national selection during the year. To receive an upgraded contract, players are required to earn 12 upgrade points, which are awarded on the following basis: four points per Test appearance, two for an ODI and two for each T20 International.
The full 20-member list is as follows:
Ashton Agar, Jackson Bird, Hilton Cartwright, Pat Cummins, Aaron Finch, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, James Pattinson, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa.