Cricket Australia drops Glenn Maxwell, Sam Konstas from 2026-27 central contract list, 21 players make the cut

Cricket Australia (CA) on April 1 announced the list of 21 centrally contracted players (men) for the 2026-27 season. The most notable omission is veteran all-rounder Glenn Maxwell who is still hopeful of playing for Australia. Also, Sam Konstas, Jhye Richardson, Matthew Short and Lance Morris didn't find a place. Richardson and Morris' injuries may have played a part in them getting dropped whereas Konstas and Short seem to have fallen out of selectors' radar for now.

The new additions are Brendan Doggett and Jake Weatherald. Pacer Doggett and opening batter Weatherald made their debut in the Ashes 2025-26. It also confirms that Weatherald is highly likely to get a long rope as an opener in Tests.

ALSO READ: Shreyas Iyer gives major update on hand injury, says 'I don't want to jinx anything'

Meanwhile, pace-bowling all-rounder Michael Neser and off-spinner Todd Murphy have returned the list of centrally contracted players.

ALSO READ: LSG shares crucial update on Mayank Yadav, Naman Tiwari's fitness ahead of IPL 2026 clash vs DC

"The next 12 months encompasses a busy Test schedule across a range of conditions and challenges," said Australia's chief selector George Bailey.

"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."

However, one player who may feel hard done by is Matt Renshaw. He didn't do much wrong since his return to the white-ball side. Also, he has been knocking on selectors' doors for a Test return with performances in domestic cricket.

Full list of Australia’s centrally contracted players -

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.

Australia’s Test-heavy workload

In the next 12 months, Australia are set to play 15 Tests, including six at home, two against Bangladesh and four against New Zealand. They will tour South Africa for a three-Test series and then five Tests on Indian soil (Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2027). They are currently on top of World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 points table and highly likely to play the final. Then, they may play the Ashes on England soil mid-2027.